Christmas has evolved into a global extravaganza. When it comes to Christmas celebrations, everyone knows of pine trees, Santa Claus, perpetually rosy Rudolph, and even that one Mariah Carey song.
Ever heard of Christmas trees adorned with spider-web ornaments or a camel-clapped Santa? These quirky twists hint at the vibrant diversity of global Christmas celebrations. Beyond the classic pine trees, Rudolph, and Mariah Carey’s tune, each culture adds its unique sparkle to the festival.
Ukraine’s Spider Christmas Tradition
If you saw a spider in your Christmas tree, you might scream and try to get rid of it, but for families in Ukraine. You will be surprised to know that it’s tradition to hang spiders on Christmas trees.
Known as pavuchky (little spiders), this tradition comes from a folk tale known as the Legend of the Christmas Spider.
The tradition comes from a story about a poor family that could not afford decorations for their Christmas tree. As kids slept, sneaky spiders spun silky webs on the branches. Next morning, the tree sparkled with silver threads – and the tradition was born. Today, Ukrainians keep it alive.
Some sew webs; others craft the spider’s body from a walnut and add legs made from beads and tiny wires.
The Festive Camel
For Syrians, it’s not Santa Claus who brings gifts for children. Yes, you heard it right. There’s no Santa Claus with his reindeer climbing down chimneys to give out gifts Instead, a camel struts in with the presents, adding a desert zing to the festival.
As per tradition, children fill their shoes with hay, place them outside, and leave some water. That is for the little camel to eat and drink, as it visits to leave gifts for the children.
Going by the story, when the three Magi arrived in Bethlehem to honour the birth of baby Jesus, their youngest camel collapsed after the exhausting journey. To celebrate its dedication and bravery despite injuries and pain, Jesus Christ granted the honourable camel eternal life to spread joy around the world. Since then, the youngest in Syria believe that it is the camel that brings them presents on its back.
Iraq’s Fiery Christmas Wish
In Iraq, kids have a fiery Christmas tradition. They first read the nativity story by candlelight from the Psalms. Then, they light a bonfire of dried thorny branches – a unique way to celebrate. It is believed that if the thorns burn completely and turn to ash, the year ahead will be filled with good fortune. Once the flames have died, each person in the family jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish. Date-filled biscuits, called ‘klecha’, are also enjoyed and exchanged over the festive period.
Fiery Christmas In Guatemala
In Guatemala, Christmas kicks off with la quema del diablo – burning the Devil. On December 7, families torch trash piles with a Devil effigy on top, cleansing homes of evil vibes before the Immaculate Conception feast, an important holy day for many Christians, especially Catholics. Now, some swap bonfires for Devil piñatas: safer and eco-friendly.
