Vienne, élégance impériale et vin chaud parfumé
Entre palais baroques et musique classique, Vienne célèbre Noël avec un raffinement unique. La Rathausplatz devient un royaume de lumières et de senteurs d’épices.
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Legends: Origins of the Yule Log
This delicious cake, the Yule log, dates back to a very ancient custom that existed in several European countries towards the end of the medieval period. In fact, a log was placed in the hearth and kept burning constantly from December 24th until the New Year. This gesture was similar to the pagan celebrations dedicated to the winter solstice.
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Christmas around the world: in Iceland
Many people consider the Icelandic tradition of celebrating Christmas a bit strange. You see, children don't expect a visit from one Santa Claus, but from 13! And that's not all. Rather than bringing all the presents together at once, these Santas come down from the mountains one by one, over the course of 13 days...
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Tradition: Origin of the Pinata in Mexico
All year long, children wait for the Christmas festivities (between December 16th and 24th) to participate in the opening of the Pinata. Where does this tradition come from? First of all, the Pinata is an object made of mache cardboard covered with colored paper and stuffed with candy and tropical fruits. Originally,…
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Traditions: Midnight Mass
Depending on tradition and country, Midnight Mass does not occupy the same place in the Christmas celebrations. It can be held in the early evening, later in the night, or even on the morning of the 25th. More than a century ago, three Midnight Masses were celebrated: one…
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Christmas Markets in Europe – 5. Prague
In the Czech Republic, Christmas is celebrated through more than one market. The main one, one of the most famous in Europe, is held in the Old Town Square (Staré Mesto). True to the tradition of European Christmas markets, there are small wooden chalets selling decorations, candles, and more.
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Christmas Around the World Series: in Italy
Curiously, in Italy, Santa Claus has been replaced by a kind witch (La Befana) wearing a pointy hat, riding a broomstick as is fitting, who goes to slide the presents down the chimneys of houses for children to open at Christmas. You can also see several representations of La Befana in the windows...
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Christmas Around the World Series: in the Tropics
Christmas in the Caribbean lasts several days and is a joyous occasion. In the past, the festivities began well before December 25th. Traditions: From the end of November, the islanders begin to soak orange peels in rum and dry them in the sun. The typical...
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The Star, the magical symbol of Christmas
According to theologians, the Star that the Magi from the East followed only appeared to better "sign" the birth of the Christ child. According to the New Testament of the Bible (Matthew 2:2), these three kings: Melchior, Balthazar, and Caspar, brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child. Each character is also linked to...
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But where do Christmas stories come from?
The first Christmas tales were sung more than told, by the troubadours of the Middle Ages. The elders began to spread them around the vigil, shortly before Christmas mass. These were tales inspired by the Gospels, developed around sacred history and the Nativity. At the same time, in the cottages, people exchanged...
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Christmas around the world: in Great Britain
From the beginning of December, Christmas cards are sent to family and friends. These will be displayed on the walls until Three Kings' Day, January 6th. The many Christmas markets resound with the "Ho-Ho-Ho" of Santa Claus, and the facades of shops and stores are overflowing with lights to create...
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Native American legend to tell by the fireside
A trick was played on Old Man Winter "Old Man Winter"...that's what the North American Indians called the cold season. For them, winter took the form of a very old giant with long, white hair. They were convinced that, every year, Old Man Winter settled in the forest...
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Traditions: Origin of the crib figurines
The santons that decorate European nativity scenes are said to have originated in Provence at the beginning of the 16th century. Indeed, just as a "living" nativity scene was presented in church to recall the Nativity, these small figures, called "santoun" (little saints), were created to adorn the Christmas nativity scene in Provençal families. In…
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A tradition around the world: the Christmas wreath
Also known as an "Advent wreath," this Christmas ornament is made in more than one country around the world, with some variations from one place to another. Some wreaths will hold candles, while others are very colorful and will be used to decorate the front door or a room in the house, or as a centerpiece. Chic, rustic,…
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Christmas: Culinary Traditions from Around the World
Every country celebrates Christmas in its own way, and culinary traditions vary as well. For example, in Germany, the traditional Stollen, a delicious bread filled with dried and candied fruit and almond paste, has been served for over 500 years. In Belgium, sauerkraut is the star of the show. However, to respect tradition, a piece…
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An overview of Christmas markets in Europe
Last year, around this time, we published a series of articles on the various Christmas markets you can visit in Europe. Here are some notes on some of them, if you plan to include a visit to one of these cities in your holiday itinerary. The Zurich Market (Switzerland)…
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Animation: Make English “crackers” with the children
The tradition of these "crackers," a kind of oversized candy that you break at Christmas by pulling both ends at the same time (to find a surprise inside), comes to us from England. A tradition that has become widely known beyond British lands, since it can be found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa...
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Did you know that Mother Christmas may have existed?
Everyone knows Santa Claus, but who is the one we call "Mother Christmas"? The one who is sometimes portrayed in advertising as Santa's wife? If all children learn one day that the Old Man with the White Beard is much less real than they imagined, it would seem...
