SOME TYPICAL TRADITIONS FOR DIFFERENT COUNTRIES-by Ana Mazarías

SOME TYPICAL TRADITIONS FOR DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

Christmas is a holiday celebrated all over the world. There are many important traditions in the world.

In Mexico, children dress up as Mary and Joseph. They sing songs at the neighboring houses. Children also try to break a piñata and do not receive gifts until January the 4th.

In Ethiopia, Christmas Eve is celebrated on January 6th. On that night priests decorate umbrellas and wear traditional clothing. In the morning, people feast and give each other gifts and some others play sports.

In another country like Finland, Finns believe that the Winter Solstice brings out the spirits of the dead. This happens on Christmas Eve, celebrated at roughly the same time. Finns place candles around the graves of relatives. 

Vietnam is more different than other countries. Christmas was only recently reintroduced to largely Buddhist Vietnam. It is a mainly a Jesus free event. Santa drives a Scooter not a sleigh.

The Philippines Christmas season begins in September with the Feast of Saint Pio and ends in January, meaning nearly half of the year is Christmas in the Philippines. The event close to December 25th is a nine-day mass called Simbang Gabi, which includes hymns and Filipino foods. Christmas Eve is celebrated all night and then followed by a day of family talks and gifts giving.   

I think there are many more traditions that we do not know.The traditions that I chose are some weird but in the end, I think Christmas is about faith, family, fun and celebrate the New Year.  

Merry Chritsmas to all of you!