In India, what type of tree is decorated for Christmas?Instead of having traditional Christmas Trees, a banana or mango tree is decorated. Sometimes people use mango leaves to decorate their homes.Russians celebrate Christmas eating kutya. What is it and what does it symbolize?This unique plate is done of berries of wheat and other grains that symbolize the hope and the life talks, and the honey and the seeds of poppy that assure the happiness, the success, and the rest without worries. The celebration of the New Year, it will include a toast with champagne and revelry with the family and the friends.
Mexicans celebrate Christmas with posadas. What is a posada?is a nine-day celebration with origins in Mexico beginning December 16th and ending December 24th. It is a yearly tradition for many Catholic Mexicans and some other Latin Americans and symbolizes the trials which Mary and Joseph endured before finding a place to stay where Jesus could be born, based on the passage in the New Testament
In Rome, Italy, capitone is served on Christmas Eve. What is capitone?Is a large female eel, roasted, baked or fried. Fish dishes are also popular throughout Italy on Christmas Eve.
In Venezuela people listen to aguinaldos. What are aguinaldos?Music plays an important role in the celebration of Christmas in Venezuela. The traditional songs of Christmas are known as Aguinaldos. Aguinalderos go from home to home singing their songs and playing traditional instruments such as the cuatro (a small, four strings guitar), the maracas (rattle) and the furruco.
In Provence, France, people put santons in a crèche. What are santons and what is a crèche?literally the "little saints," colourful carved wooden or clay figures of the Christmas story. it means a three-dimensional commercial or folk art depiction of the birth or birthplace of Jesus
In Japan, people are visited by Hoteiosho. Who is he, and why is he special? They have a Buddhist monk called Hotei-osho who acts like Santa Claus. He brings presents to each house and leaves them for the children. Some think he has eyes in the back of his head, so children try to behave like he is nearby.
In Greece people have to protect themselves from Killantzaroi. What are Killantzaroi and how can you keep them away?
Killantzaroi are a species of goblins or sprites who appear only during the 12-day period from Christmas to the Epiphany (January 6). These creatures are believed to emerge from the center of the earth and to slip into people's house through the chimney. More mischievous than actually evil, the Killantzaroi do things like extinguish fires, ride astride people's backs, braid horses' tails, and sour the milk. To further repel the undesirable sprites, the hearth is kept burning day and night throughout the twelve days.
Germans call Christmas Eve Dickbauch. Why is Christmas Eve called Dickbauch?“Dickbauch" means "fat stomach" and is a name given to the Christmas Eve because of the tradition that those who do not eat well on Christmas Eve will be haunted by demons during the night
In China, a very important person is named Dun Che Lao Ren. Who is it?Santa Claus in China is called Dun Che Lao Ren which means "Christmas Old Man”. The Christian children of China hang muslin stockings hoping that Christmas Old Man will fill them with gifts and treats. The Chinese Christmas trees are called ‘Trees of Light’.
