Winter Holidays Around the World

This time of year, when everyone greets each other with a cheery “Happy Holidays!” it’s typically understood that they mean Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Perhaps even Happy Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, if you’re taking a liberal interpretation of the phrase. But many of us don’t think about the many other traditional and meaningful holidays that are celebrated around the world. Here’s a quick breakdown of our top five.

1. St. Stephen’s Day
Also known as Wren’s Day, in Ireland, St. Stephen’s Day falls the day after Christmas. While today people mostly spend it visiting friends and family or going to sporting events, like horse racing, there are more traditional activities that are still prevalent in some more rural parts of Ireland, like that of the Wren Boys. Historically on this day, a group of boys dress up and go out hunting a wren, though these days they can also just use a fake one and the group might in fact be co-ed. Anyway, they place the wren on top of a decorated poll or bush and carry it around town singing and dancing, and collecting donations, which are typically donated to charity. To get in to the Wren’s Day spirit, check out a typical song they might stroll through your town singing:

2. Three Kings Day
Quick – who can name all three wise men? (Comment below and then check your answer!)  In many countries around the world, such as Spain and much of Latin America, Santa Clause takes a major back seat to the Three Wise Men – who come to little children’s houses on the night of January 5th and leave presents in their shoes if they’ve been good and if they’ve been bad – you guessed it – coal. Forget the milk and cookies, these guys need water and grass for the camels (they’ve been crossing the desert, after all). In Spain, you can expect to find huge processions in honor of the Reyes Magos in all the main cities, where thousands of onlookers are showered with free sweets by the people riding on the parade floats. And there’s no mad rush at the malls on December 24th, major shopping days extend all the way up to the 6th.

3. Boxing Day
From Canada to the UK to Australia to South Africa, many Commonwealth nations celebrate Boxing Day on December 26th. There are many theories as to the meaning of its name, but we’re pretty sure it doesn’t really involve the sport of boxing, or throwing away all the boxes your gifts came in (a common US misconception). The tradition started in England as a day to give gifts/food to charity – and has ended up as a great day to eat leftovers, relax, shop the sales and spend more time with family and loved ones. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the Southern hemisphere – you’ll likely be hanging at the beach or going to a barbecue!

4. Cape Minstrel Carnival
While it’s not celebrated across the globe or even across the country, the Cape Minstrel Carnival that takes place annually in Cape Town, South Africa is as loud, colorful and exciting as its cousins in New Orleans or Rio de Janiero, though perhaps on a slightly smaller scale. Also known as Kaapse klopse, each January 2nd in Cape Town is celebrated as the “Second New Year” which was a resting day originally given to the slave community during the early settlement years. Today the carnival attracts thousands of musical troupes from around the Western Cape and offers a platform for them to strut their stuff in a vibrant display of music and bright sequined costumes.

5. Spring Festival
While the Chinese do celebrate the New Year in a similar way to their Western counterparts (read: partying!), the real new year starts at Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year. This most important of Chinese holidays marks the lunar new year – that’s sometime in January or February for you Gregorians out there. It’s your typical celebratory holiday, filled with family, fireworks, decorations, travel, and of course, red underwear. Ok, ok so it doesn’t have to be underwear, you can wear other red articles of clothing that will also help you ward off evil!

Well, there you have it — our winter holiday roundup. In your corner of the world, do you celebrate any that we’ve missed? Wherever you are and whatever you celebrate, here’s to a happy, healthy and peaceful 2012!

photo credit

Katie, a US native, had traveled to Buenos Aires on several extended trips before the city’s lure became too strong and she decided to call it home. Long fascinated by the global scene, Katie earned a degree in International Studies from Miami University and spent time studying and living in Madrid, Spain. She then worked in marketing for an international board game company followed by a brief foray as an online community editor for several websites before joining the Connect-123 team. Still a tourist at heart herself, Katie loves watching newcomers discover the charm of Buenos Aires and takes great pleasure in helping them make the most out of their work and volunteer opportunities while experiencing everything this dynamic city has to offer.