by Lucianne
When we think of Christmas, the word tradition is often the first word that springs to mind. From decorating the tree as a family to the huge Christmas dinner, there are a number of things that are repeated year after year. Can you think of any unique or strange traditions? Here is a list of the most quirky traditions from all over the world.
A Leisurely Christmas Day Swim – Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom
A nice swim in the sea sounds quite pleasant, until you consider the fact that if you should take a dip on Christmas Day, you will be most likely swimming in sub-zero temperatures. In a tradition almost as old as the town itself, people dress up in all sorts of Christmas-themed costumes and throw themselves into the sea. It is such a big event that the local newspaper reporters and photographers turn up to document it, every year.
Hide Your Brooms – Norway
Around Christmas time, wives will be busy about the house, attempting to hide all of the brooms to keep evil spirits and witches away. It is believed that witches search the houses for brooms to fly on during the Christmas period.
Throw your Shoes if you Want Marriage - Czech Republic
Young girls awaiting marriage in the Czech Republic have a very different way of telling if they will be wed soon. Rather than catching the bouquet or taking the last drop of wine from a bottle, girls will stand with their back to a door, take their shoe off and throw it over their shoulder on Christmas Day. If the shoe lands with the toe pointing towards the door, you’re in luck! If not, then you will have to wait until next Christmas.
Christmas Pudding, fortune telling and magic wishes- United Kingdom
When the Christmas pudding is being made, tradition states that every member of the family must take it in turns to stir the mix anti-clockwise while making a wish. In some parts of the UK, especially Ireland, families will put objects into the pudding for various reasons, such as coins for wealth, rings for marriage or a thimble for luck.
A Very Sunny Christmas, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
In the southern hemisphere, Christmas time is the hottest time of year. So, if you’re not a fan of the snow and cold weather, then head to Bondi Beach in Sydney for Christmas Day – their Christmas festival consists of three stages showing live music. Beach party anyone?
