12 Christmas traditions that will surprise you

In principle, traditions have such a property — to surprise absolutely everyone, except the people who observe them. Because well, how can you be surprised at something if you've been used to watching it since childhood - just like your parents, for that matter.

Let's take a look at a selection of bizarre but understandable Christmas traditions from around the world.

Japan

In the 70s in Japan, the KFC chain advertised fried chicken as a traditional Christmas dish. Since then, Japanese Christmas dinner necessarily includes chicken from KFC.

Argentina

In Argentina, usually the mother or grandmother of the family gives women pink underwear, which must be worn on New Year's Eve to attract love.

Estonia

There is nothing surprising for us here, but it is still worth mentioning. In Estonia, it is customary to go to the sauna on Christmas Eve after the preparations for the holiday are completed and the house is decorated.

Czech

Czech unmarried girls should throw a shoe (or something from a shoe) over their shoulder towards the nearest door. If the toe of the landed shoe looks at the door, then the young lady will get married.

Spain

Tio de Nadal is a wooden log with a smiling face in a red Catalan hat. It is also called Caga Tio, which translates as "pooping log", and it is the Catalan equivalent of Santa Claus.

By tradition, children should take care of Caga Tio from December 8th until Christmas Eve. They cover him with a blanket and feed him nougat. And then Tio de Nadal "throws out" gifts.

India

In India, banana or mango trees are decorated on the eve of Christmas, because there are not so many conifers in the country.

France

13 desserts — a tradition from the southern region of France Provence. This number of desserts symbolizes Jesus and the 12 apostles. All dishes must be eaten at Christmas.

Sweden

A huge Christmas goat made of straw lives in the Swedish town of Yevle. Every year, since the 60s, his figure is burned in honor of the holiday.

Mexico

On December 23, Radish Night is celebrated in the Mexican city of Oaxaca, when residents carve various figures out of radishes. This annual holiday dates back to colonial times.

Latin America

In many Latin American countries, gifts are delivered not by Santa Claus, but by baby Jesus. It is not very clear how a small child can do this…

Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia

Krampus is a fairly well—known character in Central Europe. This really creepy creature, the antipode of Santa Claus, beats people to be obedient. In European cities, they even hold parades, for which people dress up as demons and flood the streets.

Colombia

Novena is an old Colombian tradition, according to which people pray for 9 days, starting from December 16. Prayers are followed by a rich and delicious dinner.