Cedars, December 2019

December 2019 17 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT International Students have Unique Christmas Traditions by Bryson Durst I n the United States, Christmas conjures up images of church services, nativity scenes, Christmas music, trees, lights and Santa Claus. While the birth of Christ is celebrated around the world, different nations have their own Christmas traditions. Many Ce- darville students are from or have spent time in other countries and are familiar with those traditions. Germany Senior and junior Isaac and Abigail Dye, who grew up as missionary kids in Germany, said that German cities have a tradition of large outdoor Christmas mar- kets. According to Isaac, vendors at these markets sell nutcrackers, which are small wooden smokemen that burn incense, and sweets. Germans decorate their towns with Christmas trees and stars. On December 6, Germans celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on which children set out their shoes to get candy. Christmas Eve is the highlight of the Christmas celebration in Germany when families go to church and open gifts. German Christmas foods include vari- ous kinds of meat, potatoes, a type of gin- ger cake called lebkuchen and a tree-trunk- shaped cake called baumkuchen. France France also has Christmas markets, ac- cording to freshman Ilian Baslé, who is from France. On Christmas Eve, French families usually eat chicken or turkey dinners and open presents. Many people go to church on Christmas, even if they are not Chris- tians. On Christmas Day, people in France usually relax with family. Around New Year’s, French people send holiday cards out, much like Christmas cards in the Unit- ed States. The French and Germans alike use ad- vent calendars, with a cupboard for each day leading up to Christmas. Abigail Dye said that each cupboard may include can- dies, toys, or verses. Advent as a whole is a traditional sea- son meant to prepare Christians to cele- brate Christ’s arrival. Isaac Dye said that in Germany, Advent themes are hope, peace, joy and love. Italy In Italy, freshman Aaron Hunziker (who grew up there) said that Christmas Eve dinner usually consists of seafood and spaghetti, with desserts of fruitcake and pandoro, or golden bread. Instead of Christmas trees, Italians decorate their homes with nativity scenes. While most Italian Catholics go to church for Christmas services, the Protes- tant community in Italy is divided. Some see Christmas as a good opportunity to com- memorate the Savior’s birth, while others avoid it, seeing it as an unbiblical holiday with pagan roots. Recognizing this divide, many Protestant churches avoid holding Christmas-oriented services. Eastern Europe In Eastern Europe, Ukrainians can choose between two Christmas celebra- tions. While some Ukrainians have adopt- ed the Western habit of celebrating Christ- mas on Dec. 25, the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is prominent in Ukraine, has traditionally celebrated Christmas on January 7. However, during the 20th century, the Soviet Union often suppressed religion. As a result, many secular Christmas customs were transferred to New Year’s Day. Ukraini- ans who celebrate Christmas this way put up trees for New Year’s Day and exchange gifts. According to freshman Abigail Rist who grew up as a missionary kid in the Ukraine, children often receive special candy boxes during Christmastime. Yuki Funakoshi, a Japanese sophomore that also grew up as a missionary kid in the Ukraine, added that children often go caroling and receive candy from the houses they visit. The Ukrainians also have their own version of a Santa Claus accompanied by his granddaughter. Brazil In Brazil, Dec. 25 falls in the summer. According to Brazilian freshman Nathalia Aildasani, many Brazilian families open presents on Christmas Eve. Then they trav- el to the beach and cook meals outside for Christmas Eve. Alidasani said that Brazilian Christmas meals include meat, applesauce, Photo by Emma Burgess Emma Burgess’ French side of the family gets together every Christmas for a meal. Photo by Abigail Dye Isaac and Abigail Dye enjoy a German Christmas Market.