Christmas vocabulary and traditions from around the world
Are you interested in knowing what essential Christmas symbols are called in other languages? Find out below and read some interesting traditions which take place around the world.
Christmas traditions around the world
United Kingdom
Kids believe that Santa Claus leaves gifts in stockings or pillow cases. They sometimes leave brandy and mince pies for Santa Claus when he comes to deliver gifts. Fruit cake is a popular Christmas dessert, it’s very rich, contains fruits and is covered in marzipan and icing.
United States of America
People in USA like to abundantly decorate the outside of their houses with lights in various colours, Christmas figures or even whole holiday themed scenes. Sometimes popcorn strings are used to trim the Christmas tree.
Germany
Advent is a big part of Christmas celebrations in Germany. Different forms of Advent calendars are used, such as ones made from cardboard or fir branches with little gifts attached to it. The country is famous for its Christmas markets, where you can buy delicacies and ornaments.
Poland
It is common that the advent time is a time of fasting. People usually give up their favorite foods, sweets or alcohol. Christmas Eve is a very important day of celebrations, when Christmas Eve supper takes place. Traditionally there are twelve dishes, which symbolize the 12 apostles.
Italy
The nativity crib scene is a very important element of celebrating Christmas in Italy. Traditionally people put cribs out in their homes on the 8th of December, but baby Jesus is put into the crib on the evening of Christmas Eve.
Spain
After the popular midnight mass on Christmas Eve people walk through the streets playing instruments such as drums, guitars and tambourines and carrying torches or lights. December 28th is the Day of Innocent Saints, which is very much like April Fool’s day.
Portugal
Some people say that gifts are brought by Baby Jesus rather than Santa Claus. Presents are left under the Christmas tree or in shoes. Christmas presents are opened after Christmas Eve Mass or on the morning of Christmas Day.
Christmas vocabulary from around the world
English: Santa Claus
German: Weihnachtsmann
Polish: Św. Mikołaj
Italian: Babbo Natale
Spanish: Papá Noel
French: Père Noël
Portuguese: Papai Noel
English: Gift
German: Geschenk
Polish: Prezent
Italian: Dono
Spanish: Regalo
French: Cadeau
Portuguese: Presente
English: Christmas tree
German: Tannenbaum
Polish: Choinka
Italian: Albero di Natale
Spanish: Árbol de Navidad
French: Sapin de Noël
Portuguese: Árvore de Natal
English: Star
German: Stern
Polish: Gwiazda
Italian: Stella
Spanish: Estrella
French: Étoile
Portuguese: Estrela
English: Bell
German: Glocke
Polish: Dzwonek
Italian: Campana
Spanish: Campana
French: Cloche
Portuguese: Sino
English: Snowman
German: Schneemann
Polish: Bałwan
Italian: Pupazzo di neve
Spanish: Muñeco de nieve
French: Bonhomme de neige
Portuguese: Boneco de neve
Find out how Christmas is celebrated in different countries and cultures all around the world!
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