Every year, people from around the world gather to celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. While Catholics are known to be traditional, people of Catholic faith around the world have their own ways of celebrating Advent. This season is one of the most important to the Catholic faith, and seeing how it’s celebrated around the world shows how venerated the season is across cultures. Read on to learn more about how different cultures celebrate.
Las Posadas in Mexico and Central America
When Mary and Joseph made their journey to Bethlehem, they were turned down by inns that had no vacancy for the couple. Las Posadas, which translates to “The Inns,” involves children dressed as angels leading processionals from home to home, with the residents of each home turning them away because their “inns” are full. The party then moves to a nativity scene in a central location with piñatas shaped like farm animals.
Gift Giving Days in France and Italy
In most countries around the world, children open gifts on December 25. France and Italy both have their gift exchanges on different dates. Italy has one big gift giving day on January 6, the day the Wise Men are said to have arrived. France, however, has several gift giving days, starting with St. Nicholas Day on December 6. This is to shift the focus away from awaiting gifts and toward the true meaning of Advent.
Advent Traditions in Spain
Spain has several Advent traditions, from Nochebuena, a night of indulgent feasting on December 24, to El Día de los Santos Inocentes (Holy Innocents’ Day), which is a day of playing pranks on each other, similar to April Fool’s Day. However, their most popular tradition by far is the annual Christmas Lottery, which takes place each year on December 22. On this day, the winning numbers are drawn and announced in song on live TV. Tickets are purchased in the months leading up to this day so that everyone can celebrate and gather together to see if they won.
European Origins of American Traditions
Germany has become a popular destination for the Advent season due to its elaborate Christmas displays that take over towns. Traditions like Christmas trees, Advent calendars, and gingerbread houses originated in this country. Germany is also credited with the mysterious tradition of the Christmas pickle, a green ornament that children race to find on the tree so that they can receive the first present on Christmas morning. England is known for originating traditions like Christmas lists, Christmas cards and fruitcake. Wreaths, another popular tradition, are thought to have their origins in ancient Rome and Greece. Many traditions from the world have come together to make Advent special.
Cultures around the world celebrate Advent in different ways, but they’re all focused on the spirit of the holiday season. Our Orlando Catholic school finds that learning about different cultures around the world can provide perspective on our differences and what brings us together. St. Charles Borromeo is more than a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.
