Strange Christmas traditions around the world

Christmas is not just about Christmas trees and Santa Claus; each country in the world has its own traditions for the year-end holiday season.

Sweden

Swedes have a tradition of decorating for Christmas with a giant straw goat named Gavle.

Gavle the goat has become a Christmas symbol in Sweden. Photo: Tech Times.

Every year, the 13-meter-tall goat is erected in Gavle Castle Square, becoming an indispensable symbol of the year-end holidays. In its 50 years of existence, the giant goat has been hit by cars or set on fire 37 times.

This still couldn't dampen the Swedes' enthusiasm for this unique decorative animal. Last year, Gavle was burned almost a month before Christmas.

Shirt

While children around the world eagerly await Santa Claus, Austrians have a more terrifying character: the evil version of Santa Claus, Krampus.

Krampus is a wicked version of Santa Claus who punishes naughty children. Photo: Wikipedia.

According to legend, the demon Krampus punishes naughty children by trapping them in a sack on his back.

Thousands of people will gather in Hollabrunn market square, Austria, to participate in the traditional spooky performance of 120 Krampus demons. Austrians seem to enjoy a horror-themed Christmas.

Japan

Since turkey is unavailable, the Japanese use fried chicken for their Christmas feast.

Thanks to a clever advertising strategy, the image of Colonel Sanders representing KFC in a red Santa Claus costume has become familiar. Nearly 40 million families in Japan buy KFC fried chicken annually to celebrate Christmas.

In December, sales for this restaurant chain in Japan increased by approximately tenfold.

Italy

Children in this country have to wait until after the New Year to receive Christmas presents, because the gift-giver isn't Santa Claus.

The female version of Santa Claus in Italy is Befana. Photo: Pacificworld.

According to the story, a kind old woman named Befana will ride a broomstick, bringing candy and gifts on January 5th. Like Santa Claus, she also enters houses through the chimney.

Legend says that Befana was invited to join the three wise men in their search for Jesus, but she refused. Today, she regrets this decision and still follows the wise men, giving gifts to children along the way.

India

Indians hang sparkling stars right in front of their doors. Churches are decorated with poinsettias and candles.

Indians decorate banana trees for Christmas. (Photo: Business Insider)

Since pine trees aren't common, Indians use bananas and mangoes as substitutes. Mango leaves are used for home decoration. And because it's a tropical country, Santa Claus in India doesn't ride reindeer; instead, he delivers gifts in a horse-drawn sleigh.

Iceland

The Yule Cat serves as motivation for people to work hard throughout the year. Photo: Hugleikur Dagsson.

Icelanders also love spooky Christmases, and they have the Yule Cat. This is a bloodthirsty feline that roams the countryside at Christmas, searching for those who don't have new clothes for the holidays.

The only way to escape the Yule is to let it see you wearing new clothes, new socks, a new beanie...

This legend originated when Icelanders always wanted to work hard throughout the year to earn money to buy new clothes for themselves and their families before the new year.

According to Zing