Countdown to Christmas with Sharon Donovan

Hello and welcome to Day 10 in my Countdown to Christmas blog! For those of you who know me and follow my blog, you know I collect traditions for all holidays. Christmases Past are now Christmases Present and will one day be Christmases Future. Keeping traditions alive from year to year is the best way to commemorate the footprints our loved ones have left on our hearts. Here are a few favorites from around the world.

Australia
With December being summertime Downunder, Santa has no white stuff to glide his sleigh through! So Swag Man wears a brown Akubra, a blue singlet and long baggy shorts. He spends all winter under Uluru with his Merry Gingoes. Then at Christmas, he gets in his huge four-wheel drive and sets off through the red dust to deliver his presents!

Bethlehem
The little town where Jesus is said to have been born is the site of the Nativity, all ablaze with flags and decorations each Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the town gather on the roof of the church to watch the dramatic procession. Galloping horsemen on Arabian horses are in the lead, followed by solitary horsemen carrying a cross and sitting astride a coal-black steed. Then come the churchmen and government officials. The procession enters the church and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the church. Deep winding steps lead to a grotto where visitors find a star designating the birth of Jesus.

Canada
Celebrate by trimming the tree, exchange of gifts and a turkey dinner. But in the old days, Tourti Re was eaten and is still made in some homes. It’s a sort of stew made of a layer of meat, a layer of potatoes, a layer of onions, another layer of meat with continued layers. Then a pastry dough is placed on top and it is baked for a long time. Christmas dinner is called “Revillon”

Denmark
Celebrate Christmas at midnight on Christmas Eve. All look forward to a special rice pudding. An almond is hidden in one dish and the finder of the nut will have luck for the following year.

England
A big tradition is the Queen’s Christmas message given every year at three o’clock in the afternoon. The pulling of Christmas crackers often accompany the meal. This is a brightly colored paper, twisted at both ends. Two people pull on each side and when it pops, the contents fall out. Contents traditionally contain a paper crown, small gift and a joke.

France
The focus of nearly every home is the setting up of the Nativity set or Creche, the focus of the celebration. The Nativity is often peopled with little clay figures called Santoms or little saints made by craftsmen in the South of France. In addition to the Holy Family, the shepherds and Magi, craftsmen produce figures of dignitaries. The molds used to create these figures have been passed on from generation to generation since the 17th century.

Greece
St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors in Greece. According to legend, his clothes are drenched with grime, his beard dripps with sea water and his face covered with perspiration because he has been working hard to combat waves in order to salvage sunken ships. Ships parting Greek ports will always have some sort of St. Nicholas icon. On Christmas Eve, children in the village travel from house to house, offering good wishes and singing kalanda, the equivalent of Christmas carols. They often carry metal triangles and clay drums. Children are rewarded with sweets and dry fruits.

Ireland
St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated by young men in extravagant clothes and masks, parading noisily through the streets in the Wren Boys Procession. They carry long poles topped with sprigs of holly bush. The holly is said to represent a captured wren and for whom the young boys beg for money.

Italy
In Rome, cannons are fired to denote the celebration. The main day of celebration is January 6th, Feast of the Epiphany, the day the Magi came to visit the Christ child. Children anxiously await a visit from La Befana who brings gifts for the good and punishment for the bad. According to legend, the three wisemen stopped along their journey and asked an old woman for food and shelter. She refused and later had a change of heart but the Magi were long gone. La Befana means Epiphany, still wanders the earth looking for the Christ child. She is depicted as a fairy queen, crown or witch
Poland
An elaborate tradition called Wigilia is celebrated. In honor of the star of Bethlehem, the meal cannot begin until the first star of night appears. Christmas in Poland is officially known as Bozz, but is most referred to as Gwiazdka or little star. Once the star appears, the meal commences after sharing rice wafers blessed by the priest.

Russia
St. Nicholas is especially popular in Russia. According to legend, the eleventh century Prince Vladimir traveled to Constantinople to be baptized and returned with stories of St. Nicholas of Myra performing many miracles. To this day, Francis is the most popular boys name. The tradition of Russians is a special porridge called Kutya, made of wheat berries to symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppies to ensure happiness, success and untroubled rest.

Scotland reserve merriment for New Year’s Eve which is called Hogmanay. This name may be derived from a type of oak cake given to children on the first of the year. According to tradition, the first person to set foot through the door brings good luck. Best if dark haired or fair haired. This tradition is often called “First Footing.”

Spain
The Magi is very revered and is said to travel through the countryside each year to reenact their journey to Bethlehem. Children leave shoes on windows filled with straw, carrots and barley for the horses of the wisemen.

Sweden
Celebrate the feast of St. Lucia, the queen of light. Centuries ago, she helped the persecuted by bringing food. To light the way through dark tunnels, she is said to have worn a wreath of candles on her head. Today, her feast is celebrated by the eldest daughter wearing a white gown with red sash and an evergreen wreath with seven candles. She brings coffee and buns. St. Lucia is remembered for bringing light in the darkest hour.

Wales
Carols are very popular in Wales and are often accompanied by a harp. In rural areas, a villager may be chosen to represent the Mari llwyd. This person walks around the town draped in white and carrying a horse’s skull on a long pole. Anyone who gets a bite must pay a fine

Well, I don’t know about you but most of these traditions are new to me! Have one to share? Comments are most welcome. Whatever your nationality or tradition, wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas in 2009!