Allie Wenskoski, Sophomore
Christmas Eve is upon us, and there is a lot to do! Though many traditionalists celebrate Christmas on December 25, many of the celebrations begin on December 24. Around the world, countries celebrate Christmas Eve differently, some even having a bigger celebration on this day than on Christmas!
The Giant Lantern Festival, Philippines
The Giant Lantern Festival, located in San Fernando in the Philippines, is one festival not to miss. It began in 1908 and signifies the Christmas season. At first, the lanterns were made from bamboo, unlike those today. The festival runs from December 16 to December 24 annually. Right before midnight mass on Christmas Eve, hundreds of lanterns are brought to the town church and released for all to see. The lanterns have gotten bigger over the years and more intricate as well. The spectacular light show draws thousands of people to the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” every year.
The Gävle Goat, Sweden
Though not exactly a Christmas Eve celebration, the Gävle Goat in Sweden is another classic Christmas celebration. Every year, the Gävle Goat is displayed in the town center of Gävle, Sweden. It is a giant version of the traditional Swedish Yule Goat, just made of straw. The tradition started in 1966 and still carries on today. In spite of its long history, it has also been destroyed 37 years. Fires are the main cause for destruction, though it has also been hit by a car, kicked to pieces, broken, and has also just collapsed. This December, there had already been an incident with the Gävle Goat, as a fire call was made. However, it was a false alarm.
Krampus, Austria
Krampus is a half goat, half demon figure in the Austrian culture. He is a monster who lurks around Christmas time, and on Christmas Eve, he punishes children who misbehaved over the last year. Basically, he is the opposite of Santa Claus, who is believed to reward good children on this same very night. Krampus is not just believed in Austria, but also in Croatia, Hungary, Northern Italy, and Slovenia. Krampus is treated like Santa is treated here, as he is on Christmas cards and featured in holiday parades.
Yule Lads, Iceland
Icelandic children believed in the Yule Lads, which mean they have 13 Father Christmases! The Yule Lads is a folk tale about a group of 13 men who wander around the streets of Christmas Eve. They leave small gifts in children’s shoes if they have been good or a potato if that child has been bad. In modern times, the Yule Lads are depicted wearing Santa’s coat rather than Icelandic clothes like they once were.
Day of the Little Candles, Colombia
Again not a Christmas Eve celebration exactly, Day of the Little Candles is celebrated on December 7 in Colombia. It is actually one of the most observed traditional holidays there. At night, people place candles and paper lanterns outside of their houses and in their window sills. The streets and porches are lined with lanterns. These small gestures honor the Virgin Mary because December 7 is also the eve of the Immaculate Conception. Then, on December 8, white flags are displayed all over the country to honor her. Fireworks and other celebrations also happen.
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