G i r lta l k | H o l i d ay s
A Time for
Cel ebrat ion
Around the World I
t’s hard to be a humbug when the air is crisp, the cider is fresh and the fire is warm. No question about it, there’s something undeniably magical about the winter months in Tallahassee. But we’re not the only community that appreciates this festive time of year or the warm-hearted mood it inspires. All across the globe, people have found their own unique ways of celebrating the wintery holiday season through rich traditions, family gatherings and religious celebrations.
Aust ral ia—A Beachy Christmas. With its temperate climate, the land Down Under is a beach lover’s dream during the holiday months. For Christmas celebrations, families often gather along the coast, after exchanging gifts, to barbeque and enjoy the sunshine. Boxin g Da y —The Spirit of Giving. Celebrated annually on December 26, Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. In these nations, employees are asked to spend their “free day” humbly, by using a portion of their paid time off to give back to the community in any way they see fit, most notably by “boxing” up items to give away to charities. Ca rib bean —The Bahamas’ Junkanoo. For the past 500
years, Junkanoo has been among the Caribbean’s liveliest events. A day filled with carnival and festival activities, Junkanoo is held on Boxing Day (Dec. 26), New Year’s Day and once in the summer. Though its origins are widely debated among locals, legend has it that the celebration was established by John Canoe, a legendary West African Prince.
France —Noël. In the French language. Christmas is referred
to as “Noel.” The term is derived from the French phrase, “Les Bonnes Nouvelles,” or “The Good News,” and refers to the gospel and New Testament of the Bible.
It aly —The First Christmas Tree. The Christmas tree’s
predecessor, the Italian Ceppo, is structured in the shape of a pyramid with three or four levels of shelves, lined with a nativity scene, fruit, candy and small gifts. 12 t a l l a h a s s e e
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• D e c e m b e r 2012 / J a n u a r y 2013
Mexico—The Legend of the Poinsettia. Poinsettias have been a go-to Christmas décor item for some time now in American households. However, it’s our neighbors to the south that first put the two together. Native to Mexico, the poinsettia is believed to have first been used in connection with Christmas in the 17th century. Spread through oral tradition, legend has it that a little boy named Pablo first placed the beautiful flower on a nativity scene when he had nothing else to offer. Ukraine —Dinner by Starlight. To celebrate Christmas,
traditional Ukrainian families enjoy a large 12-course meal. Before the festivities can begin, however, the first star of the night’s sky must appear.
Hanuk kah—Bright Lights and Fried Food. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the Menorah. The eating of fried food, a custom any Southerner can appreciate, is a practice generally and gladly observed. Menu items may include potato pancakes, jam-filled doughnuts and fritters. Kwan z aa—African-American Pride. Kwanzaa was created
in 1966 as an alternative winter holiday for decedents of African ancestry living in North America. Running from December 26 to January 1 each year, the weeklong series of celebrations can include a wide array of events from elaborate decorating, to candlelight rituals and musically accompanied ceremonies. —Chay D. Baxley