A rendering of Jolakotturinn, Iceland’s Christmas Cat, an Icelandic mythological character. The first written accounts of the Yule cat date from the 19th century. (Bourbon-88, Shutterstock)
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TORONTO – For some, the idea of a tall, bearded man sliding down their chimney may seem alarming.
Christmas traditions vary widely around the world, and from singing horse skulls to cheeky figurines to buckets of fried chicken, here are five Christmas customs you might not know about.
Horse skulls in Wales
Don’t worry if you come across a singing horse skull on your doorstep in Wales. From Christmas to early January, the Mari Lwyd tradition sees a decorated horse skull and cape placed on a staff and paraded by a person hidden within.
Accompanied by other folk characters, the group will visit homes and sing Welsh songs in exchange for food and drink. First described in 1800, the custom is said to have much older pagan roots. Although Mari Lwyd may seem terrifying, receiving a visit is actually considered good luck.
Japanese fried chicken
In Japan, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a plate of steaming chicken.
While Christmas itself is not widely celebrated in the country, many in Japan mark the holiday season by going out for Kentucky Fried Chicken. The tradition dates back to a hugely successful 1974 marketing campaign for a holiday-themed meal that has now turned into queues, crowded restaurants and special Christmas-themed “party barrels” that must usually be ordered weeks in advance. Just add a red hat and jacket, and Colonel Sanders easily replaces Santa Claus as well.
Number two in Spain
In Spain’s Catalonia region, your nativity scene wouldn’t be complete without something a little cheeky.
Known as El Caganer, or the Defecator, the holiday figurine traditionally depicts a farmer with a bare behind taking a number two. Although its origins are uncertain, the custom probably developed in the 17th or 18th century and is thought to be linked to fertilization, good health and prosperity.
El Caganer is found elsewhere in Spain and Europe, but Barcelona is the best place to pick one up as a souvenir, where you can also buy squatting celebrities, athletes and politicians, like former US President Donald Trump and the Prime Canadian Minister Justin Trudeau. Catalonia also has a smiling and equally rude Yule log that children hit with sticks for presents.
A witch in Italy
Although she may look like a witch, well-behaved children in Italy should be happy to receive a visit from La Befana. Often depicted as a kind and ugly cartoonish old woman with a broomstick, she visits children across Italy on the night of January 19-20. 5 to deliver treats and gifts to the good, and pieces of coal, onions, or garlic to the bad.
Covered in soot, she can enter homes through a chimney like Santa Claus, but then sweeps up before leaving again. Many families leave him wine and a snack. The tradition is believed to date back to medieval Rome and usher in the start of Epiphany on January 1. 6, which is a national holiday in the country.
Fashion cat in Iceland
The Icelandic Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn, roams the snowy countryside to devour people who haven’t received new clothes in time for Christmas Eve as a reward for finishing work or chores.
The huge, terrifying creature also encourages clothing donations and is part of a cast of folkloric characters who scare children or give them presents every holiday season. Another is a Krampus-like giantess who devours bad children, and her 13 children who do mischief but also leave little gifts in the shoes of well-behaved children.
The first written accounts of the Yule Cat date from the 19th century, although they probably date back much further.
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