European countries definitely have the most beautiful Christmas celebrations. What’s more special about European Christmas celebrations is that, every country has a unique tradition associated with their folklore.
Here are some you might have not heard of:
1. Children in Norway leave porridge out for a gnome-like creature called Jul Nisse.
A Nisse tomte tomtenisse or tonttu is a mythological creature from Nordic folklore. Some people leave a bowl of porridge on their doorstep for the Nisse as they believe it will keep them happy and would avoid any tricks on Christmas eve. The nisse is also said to bring gifts to children during Christmas eve.
2. La Befana, Italy’s Christmas witch brings children a stocking of sweets or coal on January 6th.
According to Italian Christmas folklore, it is believed that La Befana, represented by an old woman riding a broomstick through the air delivers sweets and candles to the ‘good’ kids. She also brings coal, garlic, and onions to ‘bad’ kids.
3. Catalan children ‘feed’ Tio de Nadal, a log with treats and beat it with sticks.
As per the Catalan tradition, a piece of strain or thick stalk is brought home a few days before Christmas. It is placed in a corner with a blanket so it does not get cold and fed daily with remnants of food until the day to make the Tio distribute the gifts.
4. Carp, which is Poland’s traditional Christmas meal is eaten as a part of 12 courses on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas eve feast in Poland, known as Wigilia supper, is not complete without having carp which is one of the twelve dishes. Common carp which symbolizes good luck and is a classic meat-free meal popular among Christians in Central Europe.
5. Finland’s Father Christmas is known as Joulupukki, which means Christmas Goat.
Joulupukki is the Finnish equivalent for Father Christmas who has his origins in the pagan Nordic shaman tradition of people dressing up in animal disguises. Joulupukki was once a symbol of fertility and more of a frightening figure back then than today.
6. Some Greek people keep a fire lit to stop mischievous goblins called kallikantzaroi from causing chaos.
According to Greek folklore, a group of tiny goblins, called kallikantzaroi, come out during the holidays, hoping to wreak havoc on mankind.
7. Sweden has processions led by a girl in a white dress with candles for St Lucia day.
December 13 is celebrated as St. Lucia day in Sweden. The annual candlelit Lucia procession is one of the most exotic looking Swedish custom, with girls and boys clad in white full length gowns singing songs together.
8. According to Icelandic legends, 13 Father Christmases, the Yule lads, descend from the mountains to visit people.
The Icelandic legends says, on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, Icelandic homes are visited by the 13 Yule Lads, sons of a troll named Gryla. They are creatures from festive Nordic folklore. Starting from 12 December, they descend one by one from the mountains.