Everyone has traditions whether it be celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or even wearing your lucky socks on game day. Traditions are everywhere but you might not know all of them.You may even find some new and unique traditions to add to your holiday season.
The first holiday tradition takes place in Japan. You might think it is something of traditional Japanese cuisine, but no, it’s actually fried chicken. Yes, you heard that right. In Japan their citizens believe that Americans eat KFC on Christmas, so they do too. This claim is totally false and was spread by a man named Takeshi Okawara in order to drum up his sales. This tradition started on Christmas Day, 1974 and has stuck ever since. Part of the reason it stuck was because it is difficult to get turkeys in Japan.
The next tradition takes place in modern day Wales. This tradition is very eccentric. During December one of the biggest traditions is Christmas caroling, but there is a twist! These carolers wear a horse skull! This wacky tradition started in the early 1800’s and continues today. This tradition originated from a pre-Christian ritual called the festival of Samhian.
Another tradition is from different parts of Germany, Hungary and Austria. This tradition is none other than Krampus. This mythical creature is the bad half of our beloved bearded, traditional, Santa. While Santa gives toys and gifts to kids on the “ nice list” , Krampus takes bad kids and punishes them in cruel ways. Krampus can punish “ bad “ kids by either putting them in his bag and chaining the kids up in the “ basement of hell.”
The last tradition is very superstitious and ominous; it is called “hide all of the brooms.” This tradition takes place in Norway and consists of people hiding brooms from witches. They do this because a witch’s primary source of transportation is a broom. They do this so witches can’t get their hands on them and especially children. Some people take it a step further and even fire a couple gunshots in the air to warn off the witches.
Holiday traditions are different all around the world.Showing how unique and special each culture is. Whether it’s lighting candles for Hanukkah, decorating a Christmas tree, or going trick or treating, these traditions are what brings the world together.
