Page 22 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 11 December 2024

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FESTIVE TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD:

CELEBRATING THE SEASON IN GLOBAL STYLE CHRISTMAS

As the year winds down, the festive season invites us to reflect, FAMILY FUN

celebrate, and connect with loved ones. Christmas 2024 brings a rich
variety of traditions from around the world, each contributing to the QUIZ
unique character of this joyous time.

combines a rich history with a sweet
touch. Packed with dried fruits and citron,
this bread has long been a symbol of
celebration and love, making it a must-have
during the festive season.
STOLLEN: FROM HUMBLE
BEGINNINGS
Once a plain Advent loaf, stollen
transformed into a festive delight when
the Papal decree allowed butter in 1491.
With its marzipan centre and dried fruits,
stollen is now a seasonal favourite steeped
in history.
PLUM PUDDING: A FAMILY AFFAIR
The Christmas pudding’s roots lie in a
Roman Catholic tradition, with its 13
ingredients symbolising Christ and the
apostles. Stirring the pudding together is a
treasured family ritual, evoking the story of
the Magi’s journey.
TURKEY: A FESTIVE FAVOURITE alternative, bringing families together
For many, Christmas wouldn’t feel complete around this savoury favourite.
without turkey. While roast goose once
graced festive tables, turkey’s affordability KFC FOR CHRISTMAS: A JAPANESE
and ability to feed larger families made TRADITION
it a natural replacement and a beloved In Japan, Christmas often means a meal
tradition. from KFC. This quirky tradition began in
the 1970s through clever marketing and
CHRISTMAS HAM: A HISTORICAL has since become a staple for millions of
TREAT families during the festive season.
In Tudor England, the boar’s head was a
centrepiece inspired by Viking customs. PANETTONE: A SWEET MILANESE
Over time, the Christmas ham became DELIGHT
a more practical and widely enjoyed Born in 15th-century Milan, panettone

Global Festive traditions and “first-footing,” where the first visitor after midnight
brings good luck.
Christmas customs around the world showcase the diversity and • Saint Nicholas Day (Netherlands): On 5th
December, children receive gifts
shared joy of the season: in their shoes, marking the
• Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights celebrates the miracle arrival of Sinterklaas with
of oil lasting eight days. Families light menorahs, parades and traditional
exchange gifts, and enjoy fried delicacies like latkes sweets.
and doughnuts. • Kwanzaa (USA):
• Las Posadas (Mexico): A nine-day celebration re-enacts Celebrated over seven
Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. It includes vibrant days, Kwanzaa honours
processions, piñata breaking, and traditional foods like principles such as unity
tamales. and creativity through
• Hogmanay (Scotland): Scotland’s New Year celebration candlelighting, feasting,
features lively parties, the singing of Auld Lang Syne, and gift exchanges.
20 DPL issue 11 2024