Although for many, crowded malls, walking in the lively downtown area, or thinking about presents might be the worst part of preparing for the holidays, these experiences can actually be a comforting feeling. However, traditions are even more exciting and play an important role in festivities, and are usually just as colourful as the region they originate from.
According to an old legend, on Christmas Eve in Poland, even animals can speak so that they can greet baby Jesus. Children therefore test their animals every year by including them in family discussions. Another interesting Polish (and Ukrainian) tradition is fathers throwing their Christmas food on the ceiling. Tradition says, the more food sticks to the ceiling, the luckier the next year will be. Ukrainian families on the other hand, hide a spider web on the tree, and whoever finds it will have luck for the upcoming year. This tradition stems from the story of a poor lady who was unable to afford Christmas ornaments, however by the next morning, a tiny spider covered the tree with its glittering silver web, making Christmas shine bright.
Even though Bulgarians refrain from eating meat on Christmas Eve, they still prepare a 13-course Christmas menu. It’s important for the number to be odd, as it is said to bring luck. Family members also leave one seat empty at the table for an unexpected guest.
In Slovenia, divers descend under the cold water of Lake Bled, to commemorate the legend of the sunken bell. It’s believed that a mourning widow lived in the castle next to the lake, who was so devastated by the loss of her husband that she spent all her money on a bell, but it fell into the water. She then went to visit the pope, who heard her story and gave a bell to the temple on the island in the middle of the lake. Locals say that if you ring the bell, all your wishes will come true.
The Czechs use a shoe thrown over one’s shoulder for fortune-telling. They believe that if the toe of the shoe of a single woman points to the door, she can expect a wedding the next year. Half of an apple also has the ability to tell you the future—if the inside has the shape of a star, it means good health will find you next year. They also believe that those who fast on the 24th of December, will see a flying pig in the sky at night.
In Germany and in Austria, it is baby Jesus who delivers the presents under the Christmas tree accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, the evil krampus, who beats naughty children with a birch cane.
Customs from around the world make you realise that there’s a lot more beyond Hungarian bejgli, Mikulás and Jézuska. However, one thing is for certain: wherever we live in the world, the most important thing is spending time with our loved ones.
Text: Réka Pisla
The article was originally published in Hype&Hyper's No. 6. issue. Enjoyed the read? Find Hype&Hyper's printed editions in the Store.