10 OF THE BEST 01
Papua New Guinea This Christmas tradition is derived from a custom of the Sawi tribes, for whom cannibalism and head-hunting was a way of life. Warring tribes would traditionally exchange a Peace Child at Christmas. This child would live with, and be brought up by, the other tribe. The tribe would take good care of the Peace Child because if he or she died then war would once again break out. If at any time there was disagreement within the tribes, the Peace Child could be sent to negotiate peace.
A world of tradition
From goats to goblins, Christmas beliefs from around the globe are heart-warming, scary and inspiring
RUSSIA
Russian children are said to receive presents from Babushka or Grandmother. She was said to have refused to go with the three wise men to give gifts to the baby Jesus because of the cold weather. Later she regretted this and so to make amends she gives toys to good children every Christmas. Due to the suppression of religion during the Soviet regime, St Nicholas was replaced by Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost, the Russian Spirit of Winter who brought gifts at New Year.
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Norway The Julebukk or Yule Goat is a tradition dating back to Viking times, when the god Thor’s chariot was drawn by goats. Today, it is best known as a Christmas ornament. Norwegian children should leave a bowl of porridge out for the Fjosnissen at Christmas time. Belief in this little barn-elf who guards farm animals pre- dates Christianity. He is said to have a bad temper and if he doesn’t receive his porridge will play tricks on children.
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WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK 04 ITALY
Children are visited by Befana, a kind witch who rides on a broomstick and delivers presents on the night before Epiphany. It is said that Befana provided shelter for the three kings as they travelled to fi nd the baby Jesus because she was extremely house-proud and had the tidiest house in her village. The kings invited Befana to travel with them, but she was too busy cleaning to go. She later changed her mind, but could not fi nd them, so now leaves gifts in every house in Italy in case the baby Jesus is there. It is also thought that she will sweep the fl oor as she leaves.
Greece In many homes the main symbol of the season is a shallow wooden bowl with wire suspended from its rim; from that hangs a sprig of basil wrapped around a wooden cross. Once a day a family member dips the cross in holy water and uses it to sprinkle the water in each room of the house. This is believed to keep away the Kallikantzaroi, who are malevolent goblins who live underground, coming to the surface for the twelve days of Christmas to bring trouble to the earth. Usually they are thought to stay underground, sawing the world tree in an attempt to make it and the earth collapse.
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