Wacky Anne's Christmas Family Room: Christmas Customs from Europe, Part II

Norwegian ? Traditions

The popularity of Santa Claus has resurrected an ancient Norse figure called Julesvenn. In ancient times he would come during the feast of Jul to hide lucky barley stalks around the house. A bowl is also set out for the barn elf so that he will continue to watch over the animals and not turn mischievous.

Greetings:

Food:

Legends: Christmas candles must not burn out during Christmas Eve, or disaster will strike that family.

Miscellaneous:

Polish Bozz Narodzenie Traditions

Santa:

Some Christmas words in Polish: Christmas (?)

Superstitions: A child born on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve may turn out to be a werewolf.

Portuguese El Natal Traditions

Food:

Some Christmas words in Portuguese: Christmas (Natal)

Romanian ? Traditions

Santa:

Food:

Decorations:

Activities: children to travel from house to house singing carols and reciting poetry and legends throughout the Christmas season. The leader carries a large wooden star called a steaua, which is covered with shiny paper and decorated with bells and colored ribbon. A picture of the Holy Family is pasted in the star's center, and the entire creation is attached to a broomstick or stout pole.

Legends:

Miscellaneous:

Russian ? Traditions

Santa: the Kolyada (in Russia)

Greetings:

Food:

Legends:

Miscellaneous:

Scottish ? Traditions

Santa:

Food:

Decorations:

Activities:

Legends:

Miscellaneous:

Spanish El Natal Traditions

Santa: Los Tres Reyes Magos, the three wise men on their way to Bethlehem leave gifts for the children. Balthazar is the children's favourite.

Festive foods include the favourite candy which is called Turron (Nougat)

Legends:

Miscellaneous: urn of fate contains the names of friends. On Christmas, some names are drawn to determine who will be good friends in the year to come. Children dress in peasant garb and dance around nativity scenes while playing tamborines.

Some Christmas words in Spanish: Christmas (Navidad)

Swedish St. Lusse Traditions

Tomten arrives each Christmas with helper-pixies called tomtenissar; Jultomten, mischief makers can also arrive.

Festive foods include Lussekatter (Lucia Cats) which are cakes baked as a symbol of good luck; Christmas ham, herring and potatoes, porridge, and bread dipped into the ham broth.

Legends: St. Lucia was a Christian in Rome burned at the stake for not giving up her religion. From cock-crow to daybreak of Christmas morning, trolls roam the Swedish countryside, so stay indoors.

Miscellaneous: On St. Lucia's Saint Day, December 13th, church pageants take place during which Lucia Queens are chosen in every community.

Carols: 'Nu är det jul igen'

Swiss ? Traditions

Santa: Gifts may be given either on Christmas Eve or New Year's Day, and they are brought by the Christkindli or St. Nicholas or even Father Christmas with his wife Lucy.

Food:

Decorations: Both the manger and the Christmas tree hold sway.

Activities:

Legends:

Miscellaneous:

Welsh ? Traditions

Santa:

Food:

Decorations:

Activities: Caroling is particularly popular in Wales where it is called eisteddfodde and is often accompaniedby a harp. In some rural areas a villager is chosen to be the Mari llwyd. This person travels around the town draped in white and carrying a horse's skull on a long pole. Anyone given the "bite" by the horse's jaws must pay a fine.

Legends:

Miscellaneous: