Season's Greeting Celebrations And Traditions Around The World
Author: Salim Jordan

Holiday traditions vary from country to country and from
religion to religion around the world.

Christmas
A Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as
the son of God, Christmas is observed with different traditions
all around the world. A common denominator in the celebration of
Christmas is usually a large meal, a Christmas tree in some
cultures, and the gathering of family and friends.

Italy
Christmas in Italy is known by the celebration of the meatless
meal on Christmas Eve. Though the tradition varies on the
number of dishes, the primary focus of the meal is the
consumption of fish. This is of special importance because meat
was considered an extravagance among many poorer residents of
Southern Italy and therefore was reserved for Christmas Day.

Japan
The people of Japan have not celebrated Christmas for very long
as less than one percent of their population is Christian.
However, since the beginning of the 20th century, Christmas has
been celebrated in many of the cities and highly populated areas
of the country. Christmas in Japan is exhibited by lights and
tinsel decorations, much like the western world, and Santa
Kurohsu, who is said to have eyes in the back of his head to
watch children, brings gifts.

Brazil
Because it is a former Portuguese colony, Brazil has retained
many of the customs from that heritage. Papai Noel is the
Brazilian version of Santa Claus who brings gifts to the
children. However, Papai Noel wears silk clothes because it is
so hot during Christmas in Brazil. A large dinner and the
presence of nativity scenes are also common in a Brazilian
Christmas.

Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is the Jewish holiday that
commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after
a war to expel the foreign presence of the Syrians. It is
celebrated by the lighting of a menorah for eight nights, which
signifies the miracle of the oil which burned the eternal light
in the Temple. Hanukkah is also celebrated with the eating of
special foods, the giving of gifts, and the gathering of family
and friends.

Chrismukkah
While "Chrismukkah" was actually started as a joke in the early
1990's, this merger between Christmas and Hanukkah has since
become recognized as a way to share in rituals of both
traditions. This is a three week celebration that includes
aspects of both holidays and is especially practical in
interfaith households. While Seinfield's "fesitvus" may not
have taken off, this custom seems to be growing in acceptance.

Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday created in 1966 by Dr.
Maulana Karenga. It is celebrated by adorning the house with
African decor and the colors of Kwanzaa, which are black, red,
and green. Gift giving and a feast are also customs of this
holiday.


About The Author: Salim Jordan is Editor and Publisher of
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