History books refer to the United States as
"the melting pot" where all nations and traditions blend together. Indeed, our
Christmas holiday celebrations would indicate just that. We have carols from England and Australia
and trees from Germany.
Santa Claus or St. Nick in a red
suit originated in Scandinavia and his arrival through the chimney to fill stockings is
reminiscent of the Netherlands. His sleigh drawn by reindeer began in Switzerland, and our
parades may be a carry-over from Latin processions. Of course the traditional feasting is
typical of all nations. We, in turn, have fattened up the jolly old man in the red suit
and blended all the traditions until he comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve, leaves
gifts and stockings filled with treats and departs in a sleigh drawn by eight tiny
reindeer. The media has helped to make this a universal Christmas image...Santa Claus.
In Mexico, the children play a Christmas game. A
piñata, which is a colorfully
decorated jar, is hung from the ceiling. The piñata is filled with gifts and candies. One
child is blindfolded and given a stick. He swings the stick around in the air. When he
hits the piñata it breaks, and the presents pour out on the floor. All the children rush
to gather up the gifts. A special Mexican Christmas dish is a mixture of fruits and
vegetables, covered with all kinds of candies.
The children in France do not hang up Christmas stockings. Instead, they put their
shoes outside to be filled with gifts.
In Italy, each child has his own Ceppo. A Ceppo is shaped like a Christmas tree, except
that it is made with poles and looks like a pyramid. There are shelves where gifts are
placed. The bottom shelf is often a nativity scene. The Ceppo is also decorated with
candles, ornaments, and pine cones.
The Yule Log is a tradition in many countries. With great ceremony the log is brought
in and placed in the fireplace. People in countries as far apart as England and Yugoslavia
bring in the Yule Log.
Throughout the world, children go through the streets singing Christmas carols. In
Poland, carolers used to carry a star. Many dressed as shepherds and wise men. In some
Slavic countries, children receive gifts as they go caroling.
Christmas dinner is always a wonderful event. It, too, is different throughout the
world. In America, it is usually turkey or goose. Long ago in England, it was boar's head
and brawne, peacock, and mutton pies. Some countries even serve a whole roast pig. In
Poland, Christmas dinner has 12 courses. A chair at the table is always left empty in case
a traveler stops.
Twelth Night, January 6th, is an important part of some
countries' Christmas celebrations. In England, it was the "twelfth day of
Christmas," just as in the song. It was the day to take down the Christmas greens and
burn them in a gay celebration. Some people in the United States still follow this custom.
In certain countries, January 6th, called the Day of the Three Kings, is the day of
gift-giving. It is believed be the day that the three wise men, traveling from far
countries, finally arrived in Bethlehem to bring the baby Jesus their gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. In Latin America, children get their gifts from the three kings
on January 6th, not from Santa Claus. The three kings come riding through town, people
say, and leave presents in the children's shoes set outside the door. Thoughtful children,
of course, remember to leave hay and water for the kings' camels.
In South America there are exciting parades and fireworks on the Day of the Kings.
People dress up as servants from Egypt and Oriental countries to march in the procession
ahead of the three kings. Parades in Peru show the three kings as Ethiopian, Inca, and
Spanish!
In southern France and in Spain, children go out the eve of January 6th carrying gifts
of fruit and cake for the Christ Child, and hoping to meet the three kings who will
deliver their gifts. If they do not see kings, they take their gifts to the church.
There are many Christmas customs and traditions. And all people have their own special
ways of celebrating Christmas. It is a time of great joy. And it should be a time of great
charity, a time of giving. After all, it is day to celebrate the birth of Christ, who gave
his for mankind. Perhaps the best description of Christmas is in the beautiful carol:
