Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Christmas celebration differs around the world

Christmas time is coming and many have started preparing for it.

Most Americans start shopping for gifts on the day after Thanksgiving, making that the "busiest shopping day of the year".

Christmas trees are placed in homes and decorations abound. Lights glow on houses and in windows and Santa Claus with his helpers start appearing in public places to find out what he can bring the good little boys and girls. This sounds like a traditional American Christmas to us.

However, Christmas isn't the same around the world. For instance, Santa Claus is basically an American icon, but the thought and deed behind him is used throughout the world. Gift giving and receiving is a part of the process. It is, however, given a lot more attention in the U.S. than in the rest of the world. In other words, Christmas here is important.

The original Christmas is, of course, the birth of Jesus Christ. Therefore the central theme of the holiday is religion for many cultures.

Russia celebrates the Festival of Winter. Christmas there is celebrated for 39 days until January 6. Russia believes in fasting and prayer during this time. Santa in Russia is known as Babushka. This word translates to grandmother.

Russian's believe Babushka was invited to join the three wise men to see Jesus. She changed her mind due to the cold weather. After the wise men had left on the journey, Babushka packed a basket of goods and tried to catch up with the wise men. She never found them so she traveled door to door passing out gifts to children hoping to find the baby Jesus.

In several European countries such as Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and others, the preparations for Christmas start on December 6. Baking, making gifts and carolers begin their process until December 24. It is not uncommon for Christmas trees to have wrapped candy hanging from their branches along with the usual ornaments and lights.

In the Czech Republic, St. Nicholas starts the season that later ends with the appearance of the Three Kings. Good children receive gifts and bad kids receive things like potatoes in their stockings and a visit from the devil.

Christmas in Germany is based on religion. Children believe in Christkindl, the Christ Child's messenger. Therefore most children write letters and leave them in the window seal of their houses for Christkindl to pick up. This angel like messenger leaves presents in all the houses next to the Tennenbaum (Christmas tree). In many German towns it is tradition for the boys to dress in kings clothes and carol around town. Germany is also well known for serving fish on Christmas Eve.

In Austria it's the feast of St. Nicholas that shows the signs of the season. St. Nicholas isn't like our traditional Santa Claus; St. Nick shows up with the devil and gives the children a what for. Its good versus evil so it is important for children to be good all year. One of Europe's main customs is serving baked carp on Christmas Eve.

England calls their version of Santa, Father Christmas. He wears a green and red robe and only places gifts in stockings.

Pere Noel visits the children of France. It is tradition for the children to leave their shoes beside the fireplace on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day their Christmas tree is more decorated than ever with cookies and small toys. The story of Jesus is acted out in plays and puppet shows.

In Italy and eight day period prior to Christmas is called Novena. During this time children go from house to house entertaining with songs and Christmas poetry. Each child is allowed to draw one present from a large box.

Regular presents aren't given until January 6, Epiphany. Those presents are delivered by an ugly witch. She is however a good witch and gives the good children candy and toys while bad children receive coal.

In Ireland, the holiday, called Little Christmas, runs from Christmas Eve to Epiphany on January 6. The Irish believe in placing candles in windows in order to light the way for Mary and Joseph.

There are several other traditions followed by many countries, with most of them being similar in some form or fashion. However, most all of them base their Christmas around religion.