Christmas is Celebrated in so many different ways around the world. In Germany, Bavaria, Tyrol region of Austria, Northern Italy, and some parts of the U.S include Krampus in the Christmas tradition. Krampus is a dark and scary companion of St. Nicholas. On December 5 every year Krampus comes up from the underworld and takes all the naughty children and whips them with a rusty chain. Mrs. Mcdonald, a language arts teacher at WRMS used to do an assignment on Krampus.
“Krampus is the dark companion of St. Nicholas, the traditional Europea winter gift-bringer who rewards good children each year on December 6. Usually seen as a classic devil with horns, cloven hooves and monstrous tongue, but can also be spotted as a sinister gentleman dressed in black, or a hairy man-beast. Krampus punishes the naughty children, swatting them with switches and rusty chains before dragging them, in baskets, to a fiery place below.”said Mrs. McDonald.
Before Christmas begins, Mexicans celebrate using “posadas,” which happen each day. “Neighbors, friends and families go door to door singing and reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph as they were looking for a place to stay.. On Christmas eve, most Mexicans attend the Candle Mass where they celebrate the baby Jesus and party all night long. On Christmas day, they rest and have leftovers.
France also celebrates Christmas a little differently too. Food is a big part of their Christmas. There are a lot of pastries and meats. Ms. Beard is a French teacher, and she knows a lot about French culture.
“December 6 is Saint Nicholas day. Saint Nicolas is the patron saint of children. On this day, he travels around house to house leaving candy and small gifts in well-behaved children’s shoes. He is accompanied by Father Whipper who leaves sticks in the shoes of naughty children so their parents can whip them. This is similar to Santa leaving coal in our stockings but a separate character. (No children are ever whipped!)” Said Ms. Beard.
Some of the French foods that they make represent things like Baby Jesus.
There are holidays and traditions all around the world. And they are unique in their own way.
Photo by :Nikhil Patel
