There’s nothing quite like holiday traditions to celebrate your heritage and family memories. If you’re looking for a new tradition, especially if an AncestryDNA test revealed ties to a region of the world you didn’t realize you had, here are 7 from around the world.
Ireland: A Candle in the Window
It’s Irish tradition to place a candle in the front window on Christmas Eve. The light was sometimes said to serve as a welcome for Mary and Joseph.
To carry on this tradition today, you can use electric candles—the effect is similar but it’s safer than a burning flame.
Scandinavia: Lye-Soaked Fish & Wreath Cake
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Scandinavian families have been feasting on lye-soaked fish (known as lutefisk) at Christmas-time for centuries. But the taste of cod and lye isn’t for everyone.
If your taste buds lean toward something sweeter, you might prefer the show-stopping, icing-laden kransekake, which means “wreath cake.”
Greece: Christmas Boat (Karavaki – Little Ship)
How about this for a charming holiday tradition from the Greek islands: carrying a small model boat from house to house as you sing Christmas carols? In addition to their role in Christmas carols (Kalanada), model ships large and small are displayed throughout the holiday season, often decorated with festive lights.
Great Britain: Christmas Pudding Wishes & Fortune
This festive dessert has been a mainstay of the Christmas table in Great Britain for centuries. One fun tradition is everyone in the household (or at least the kids) stirs the mixture and makes a wish.
Another is the inclusion of small silver coins in the cake; whoever gets the coin can take it as a sign of wealth in the coming year. The cake, made with dried fruits, spices, and alcohol is usually prepared weeks in advance but can be made months (and in some cases up to a year) before.
Finland: Christmas Peace
Need a bit of relaxation in the midst of the hustle-bustle of the season? In Finland, the “Christmas Peace” period commences on Christmas Eve and continues for twenty (yes, TWENTY) days, during which residents focus on peace and quiet.
A “Declaration of Christmas Peace” ceremony is broadcast on television on Christmas Eve.
Mexico: A Piñata Filled with Treats
A Mexican piñata is a treat-filled vessel that blindfolded party guests take turns swinging at until it breaks and rains down treats. It plays a starring role in the 9-day Christmas celebrations known as Las Posadas.
Piñatas arrived in Europe in the 14th century and were brought to Mexico by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Interestingly, there was already an existing similar tradition among both the Aztecs and Mayans.
Nigeria: Palm Fronds to Symbolize Peace
Palm fronds are a symbol of peace in Nigeria. During the Christmas season, it’s Nigerian tradition to decorate homes and other buildings with palm fronds—some natural, some woven into designs—sometimes with Christmas lights. The palm fronds represent the gift of peace that came with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Could one of these be a new favorite holiday tradition for you? Vanessa Williams took an AncestryDNA test and found out she was part Finnish.
Like her, you might well be surprised by your test results – and find a new holiday tradition that your ancestors celebrated generations before you.