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AUSTRALIA’S SUNNY CHRISTMAS: NORWAY “GLEDELIG JUL”:

During the warm and sunny Australian Christmas season, Norway is the birthplace of the Yule log. The ancient Norse
beach time and used the Yule
outdoor barbecues log in their
are common. celebration of the
Traditional return of the sun
Christmas day at Winter Solstice.
celebrations The popularity of
include family the log, be it wood
gatherings, for a fireplace, log
exchanging gifts shaped cheese and
and either a hot cakes used during
meal with ham, the holiday has

turkey, pork or seafood on the barbie. significance dating back over a thousand years.

GREECE “KALA CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
CHRISTOUYENNA”:
A manger scene is the primary decoration in most Central
In Greece, many people believe and South American countries. St Francis of Assisi created the
in “Kallikantzeri,” goblins that first living nativity in 1224 to help explain the birth of Jesus to
appear to cause mischief during his followers. Christmas is a religious holiday and has traditions
the 12 days of Christmas. Gifts are inspired mainly from Roman Catholic practices. Food, family,
usually exchanged on January 1st, festive decorations with fasting and prayer is the center of family
St. Basil’s Day. traditions.

FRANCE “JOYEUX NOËL”:

In France, Christmas is called Noël. This comes from the
French phrase Les Bonnes Nouvelles, which means “the Good

News” and refers
to the Gospel.
In southern
France, some
people burn
a log in their
homes from
Christmas Eve
until New Year’s
Day. This stems
from an ancient
tradition in
which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for
the next year’s harvest.

Life in Naples | December 2015 61