tsd-Adventskalender 2021

In Poland you traditionally serve 12 dishes for christmas eve dinner.

In Poland you traditionally serve 12 dishes for "Wigilia" (en: christmas Eve dinner) representing the 12 apostles (or 12 months of the year). So it's best to bring enough appetite to the table. Because all dishes must be tried by everyone - For good luck.

What is the name of the witch that visits Italian Families on January 6th? _ e _ _ _ a

B e f a n a.

The Befana is a good witch who is visiting peoples' homes in the night of January 6th. Typically, she comes flying down the chimney on her broom and fills the children's stockings with sweets, mandarins or black gnarled lumps of sugar that look like coal.

There are 9 candles on a Hannukah menorah.

Hannukah is well known to last for 8 days. On the menorah, however, there are 9 candles. The center candle is called Shamash. It is lit first and then is used to light the other 8 candles.

What is the name of a traditional dessert served in France on Christmas Eve?

Bûche de Noël is a sponge cake made with chocolate and chestnuts that is shaped to resemble a Christmas tree. And why? Traditionally, yule logs were burned in fireplaces throughout Europe on Christmas Eve. But since nowadays there are not so many fireplaces left, the tradition has been adapted and the Yule log is now served as a sweet dessert.

In the Netherlands ...

In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas Day is one of the most important holidays of the Christmas season. Already in mid-November, the ever-popular Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) arrives with his boat from Spain and collects the wishlists of the Dutch children. On the night of December 5th, it is then finally “Pakjesavond” (en: Package Night). At which St. Nicholas either comes in person or leaves a bag with small packages with gifts.

What is the name of the companion of St. Nicholas in Austria?

The Krampus is a mythical creature that is basically the counterpart of Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas gives gifts to well-behaved children, the Krampus scares and punishes children who have misbehaved. So if you receive one of the popular Krampus greeting cards, you better hide ;-) If you live in some parts of Germany, you may be spared from the Krampus, but should beware of Knecht Ruprecht, who is hired to punish you in that part of the country.

The US company Coca-Cola invented Santa Clause.

Well, Coca-Cola may have coined the jolly image of Santa Clause as we know it from commercials today. You know? The warm, well-nourished fellow with the rosy cheeks and long white beard as created by artist Haddon Sundblom in 1931. But the legend of Santa Clause actually existed in many different narratives around the world, long before Coca-Cola was even founded.

In Italy ...

In Italy Christmas trees and nativity scenes are traditionally put up and decorated on December 8th. But of course, the figurine of Baby Jesus is not added until December 24th.

According to a modern Chinese tradition, young Chinese give their friends an apple for Christmas.

In China, Christmas is rather a novelty, but in recent years, some " traditions " have nevertheless been established. For example, giving an apple to friends. Why an apple? Well, in Chinese, a common translation of Christmas Eve is 平安夜 (píng'ānyè), which literally means "peaceful night." And in Chinese the word part “píng” of the word for peace sounds very similar to the word part “píng” of the word for apple 苹果 (píngguǒ). So why not combine the two and make the "peace apple" 苹安果 (píng'ānguǒ) a new Christmas tradition?!

In Poland ...

In Poland, it is a popular tradition to put an extra chair and plate on the Christmas table in case an unexpected guest drops by. Considering that on Christmas Eve 2021 years ago, Joseph and Mary wandered around looking for a place to stay until they found a stable to spend the night, this is a great tradition that should basically remind everyone that no one in need should be turned away.

In Brazil, the traditional Christmas tree is a palm tree.

Although Brazilians celebrate Christmas in the middle of summer, the Christmas trees look just like the ones in the homes of the northern hemisphere. Well, almost since they are mostly plastic trees.

In Iceland

In Iceland, children are visited by 13 Yule Lads or Christmas trolls (Jólasveinar) in December. The Yule Lads are mischievous trolls led by their mother, a child-eating giantess named Grýla. From December 12 to 24, the brothers descend from the mountains one by one to engage in thirteen days of mischief, each troll having his own quirks, such as stealing milk, licking people's spoons, or banging their doors.

What festival is celebrated in Sweden on December 13th?

St. Lucia's Day, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated throughout Scandinavia and Italy on December 13th in honor of St. Lucia, the light-bearer who, according to legend, brought food to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs by lighting their way with a wreath of candles. Today the feast is celebrated with pastries like "lussekatter" (St. lucia bun), coffee and at a slightly later hour "glögg". This also encourages the singing of the popular Saint Lucia's songs.

In the USA

In the USA, people decorate their houses for Christmas with great passion. It's basically a competition that attracts neighbors and onlookers even beyond the city limits. But this tradition is a perfect example of how traditions brought to the country by immigrants have taken on a true American touch. That's because in 1882, Edward Hibberd Johnson had the idea of replacing the traditionally used flammable candles on Christmas trees with specially made bulbs (in white, red and blue, of course). He thereby laid the foundation for today's lighting spectacle.

Where is the the famous Chinese Ice Festival located?

Harbin. Every winter, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival ( 哈尔滨国际冰雪节) opens its doors to interested visitors. With its snow and ice sculptures and even whole ice buildings, it is one of the largest winter festivals in the world. China does not traditionally celebrate Christmas, but during the festival Harbin is transformed into a true winter wonderland.

In Spain, April Fool's Day is celebrated on December 28.

Well, a version of April Fool's Day, to be exact. On December 28, Dia de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Holy Innocents) is celebrated in Spain and throughout South America. However, the fun tradition of playing pranks on family and friends, and even having national news channels participate in the pranks, has a more contemplative origin. It is celebrated in honor of the young children who were slaughtered at the time of Jesus' birth by the order of King Herod. These young victims were called Santos Inocentes, or "Holy Innocents."

In Ethiopia

In Ethiopia The Christmas celebration in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is called Ganna or Genna. Many people take part in a special Advent fast during the 43 days before Christmas. It starts around 25th November and is known as the 'Fast of the Prophets' (Tsome Nebiyat). People don't give and receive present during Ganna. Sometimes children might be given a small gift of some clothes from their family members. It's more a time for going to church, eating lots and playing games

In Romania, it is bad luck not to open the door for the Christmas carolers ("colindători").

On Christmas Day, the carol singers ("colindători") visit the homes of Romanians and announce the birth of Jesus to the people with songs and poems. So watch out, because if you ignore the doorbell and do not open the door, it will bring bad luck next year.

In Russia

In Russia, Ded Moroz (En: Father Frost ... or Grandpa Frost in a more literal translation ;-)) visits Russian homes on New Year's Eve. Typically he is accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurotschka (en: snow maiden), and as befits a holiday, they put a few gifts under the Christmas tree.

What is the name of a popular Italian christmas dessert?

Panettone is a popular Italian dessert that is originally from Milan, Itlay. But be careful, if you do not find raisins and candied fruits in your sweet bread then you are probably eating Pandoro another popular christmas dish from Verona, Italy.

In the USA

In the USA the festival of Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th – January 1st to honour African-American culture. Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by activist and educator Dr. Maulana Karenga. A key custom during this festival is the lighting of the seven candles, which are supposed to represent the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa. Red, green, and black (the colors of the Pan-African flag) are the symbolic colors of the holiday.

What is the Hungarian Christmas poppy seed and walnut cake called?

Christmas tables in Hungary would not be complete without beigli. It’s a yeasted roll, long and narrow, with a sweet filling — usually walnut (dios) or poppy seed — and a crackly, mahogany-colored crust.

In Russia Christmas is celebrated on January 7th.

The Russian Orthodox Church follows the old Julian calendar for religious celebrations, which currently differs by 13 days from the Gregorian calendar that the Roman Catholic Church follows. Therefore, Christmas in Russia falls on January 7th.

What tradition do most Christianized countries have in common?

Be it Christmette, La Misa Del Gallo, Messe de minuit or Kerstnachtdienst the midnight mass is one of the most crucial tradition in all christianized countries around the world. Even the french will interrupt their festive meal for the mass.