Christmas Traditions Worldwide

Sweden: 'God Jul!'

Most people in Scandinavian countries honor St. Lucia (also known as St. Lucy) every year on december 13. The celebration of St. Lucia Day began in Sweden, but had unfold to Danmark and Finland by the mid-19th century.

In these countries, the vacation is considered the start of the Christmas season and, as such, is typically brought up as "little xmas." historically, the oldest girl in each family rises early and wakes each of her family members, dressed in a protracted, white robe with a red sash, and sporting a crown product of twigs with 9 lighted candles. For the day, she is called "Lussi" or "Lussibruden (Lucy bride)." The family then fare breakfast in a very space lighted with candles.

Any shooting or fishing done on St. Lucia Day was done by light, and folks brightly well-lighted their homes. At night, men, women, and children would carry torches in a very parade. The night would end once everyone threw their torches onto an outsized pile of straw, creating a huge bonfire. In Finland these days, one girl is chosen to serve as the national Lucia and she is honored in a very parade within which she is encircled by torchbearers.

Light could be a main theme of St. Lucia Day, as her name, that springs from the Latin word illumination unit, suggests that lightweight. Her holiday is well known close to the shortest day of the year, once the sun's lightweight again begins to strengthen. Lucia lived in Syracuse throughout the fourth century once maltreatment of Christians was common. sadly, most of her story has been lost over the years. in step with one common legend, Lucia lost her eyes while being tortured by a Diocletian for her Christian beliefs. Others say she may have plucked her own eyes bent on protest the poor treatment of Christians. Lucia is that the defender of the blind.

Finland: 'Hyvää Joulua!'

Many Finns visit the sauna on Christmas Eve. Families gather and hear the national "Peace of Christmas" broadcast. it's customary to visit the gravesites of departed family members.

Norway: 'Gledelig Jul!'

Norway is that the birthplace of the backlog. the traditional Norse used the backlog in their celebration of the come back of the sun at solstice. "Yule" came from the Norse word hweol, which means wheel. The Norse believed that the sun was an excellent wheel of fire that rolled towards and so faraway from the world. Ever wonder why the family fireplace is such a central a part of the typical Christmas scene? This tradition dates back to the Norse backlog. it's probably also chargeable for the popularity of log-shaped cheese, cakes, and desserts throughout the holidays.