Addie Bracher '25
Holiday traditions are celebrated in different ways around the world. Cate is a place that values the incorporation of diverse ideas and perspectives into the community. Each student learns from and expands their viewpoint by surrounding themselves with people different from themselves. Here is a look at seven unique ways in which holidays are celebrated. (Several countries listed are home to Cate community members!)
Roller Skating to Mass (Venezuela)
In the capital city of Caracas, residents roller skate to mass on Christmas morning. To allow for this event, the streets are closed to cars until 8 a.m. in many parts of the city. Children also tie one end of a string to their big toe and hang the other end out of their bedroom window on Christmas eve. Then, as skaters pass by in the morning, they tug on the string to alert the children that it is time for mass.
Krampus (Several European countries including Germany, Austria and Hungary)
Santa’s evil counterpart is known as a devil-like beast called Krampus. While Santa rewards the obedient children, Krampus punishes the naughty ones. It is said that he captures wicked kids and carts them off to hell. In early December, some adults dress up as Krampus and roam the streets to scare children.
Night of the Radishes (Mexico)
La Noche de Rabanos is a festival celebrated every year on December 23rd. Merchants and craftsmen sell radishes that have been carved to illustrate nativity scenes and other events from Mexican mythology. The intricate carvings are used as Christmas centerpieces, and the artist with the best design receives a cash award.
Spider Web Decorations (Ukraine)
An ancient story tells of an impoverished family who grew a Christmas tree from a pinecone. Though the children wanted to adorn the tree, the parents couldn’t afford decorations. The spiders, sensing the family’s disappointment, spun gleaming webs around the tree. The webs turned to silver and gold as the sun rose in the morning. Because of the spiders, the family now had a beautiful tree. Even today, Ukrainians decorate their trees with spider webs made of crystal, paper, metal and plastic to welcome good luck into the new year.
Caroling with Dead Horses (Wales)
The tradition of Mari Lwyd (“Gray Mare”) is celebrated anytime from Christmas to late January. One person will dress up as a horse – using an actual horse skull – and is usually escorted by a group of townspeople. Similar to Christmas caroling, the group will wander the streets, singing songs. Occasionally, they will stop at a house and challenge the resident to a contest of rhyming insults. After the battle, the group is usually invited inside for food, drinks, more music, and fun.
Christmas Boats (Greece)
In Greece, it is a tradition to decorate boats during the holidays as well as trees. Boats cloaked in string lights are a common sighting in city centers and in the water. Some believe that the tradition of Karavakia, the boat-decorating event, began as a way to thank St. Nicholas, who is the patron saint of sailors. Today, decorated Christmas boats can be found in the main square of many cities, usually next to the international Christmas tree.
Beach Parties (Australia)
In Australia, December 25th falls in the middle of the summer. So while people in the Northern Hemisphere are bundling up in their homes with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, Australians are heading to the beach. Families and friends participate in watersports, have picnics, play beach volleyball, throw parties, and host barbecues. Often, some Santas will be spotted at the beach, surfing.
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