Merry Christmas in Different Languages
What is Feliz Navidad?
In this country, it's traditional to eat "KFC" for Christmas dinner, a custom that began after a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s.
What is KFC?
This item is central to Hanukkah celebrations, with one candle being lit each night for eight nights to commemorate the miracle of oil.
What is the menorah?
This Victorian author’s 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, helped revive interest in Christmas traditions such as gift-giving and charity.
Who is Charles Dickens?
In this country, Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) brings New Year's gifts to children, often accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden).
What is Russia?
"Joyeux Noël" is the phrase for "Merry Christmas" in this language, which also serves as the title of a 2005 film about a World War I Christmas truce.
What is French?
In Australia, where Christmas falls during the summer, it's common to have this dish at Christmas dinner, often served cold or on “the barbie”.
What is shrimp?
The Chinese celebrate this holiday to mark the beginning of the lunar new year, complete with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions.
What is Chinese New Year?
This Christian saint, whose feast day on December 6th celebrates his gift-giving, was the inspiration for the modern figure of Santa Claus.
Who is St. Nicholas?
In this country, Yule Lads are mischievous characters who come to town during the 13 days leading up to Christmas, each with a unique prank or gift.
What is Iceland?
To say Merry Christmas in this language, you would say “Felix Natal”.
What is Portuguese?
In the United Kingdom, a festive alternative to turkey might be this, a rich and savory pastry-wrapped beef tenderloin, served at some Christmas dinners.
What is beef Wellington?
This Afro-Caribbean holiday, which spans seven days, celebrates African heritage, unity, and culture, and includes lighting a kinara and each day honoring one of its Seven Principles.
What is Kwanzaa?
This popular Christmas carol, first written in 1816, became a global hit after being set to music by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818.
What is Silent Night?
This horned, devilish figure from Central European folklore is said to punish naughty children during the Christmas season, often appearing alongside Saint Nicholas on December 5th.
What is Krampus?
"Buon Natale" is the phrase for "Merry Christmas” In this European language.
What is Italian?
In the Caribbean, a traditional Christmas dish features sorrel and this type of meat, often slow-cooked with spices.
What is ham?
This spinning top, typically made of wood, is used in a game played during Hanukkah, where players bet on which letter it lands on.
What is a drediel?
In the early 20th century, this American company, known for their fizzy beverages, is credited with popularizing the modern image of Santa Claus, which was solidified by their holiday advertisements.
What is Coca-Cola?
In this country, Belsnickel, a fur-clad, grumpy figure, visits children before Christmas to check if they’ve been naughty or nice. He is often depicted with a long, unkempt beard and carries a switch to punish naughty kids.
What is Germany?
If you were going to say Merry Christmas in this country, you would say “God Jul”.
What is Sweden?
In this Scandinavian country, people traditionally serve lutefisk for Christmas dinner, a dish made from dried fish reconstituted with lye.
What is Norway?
This Hindu festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, with participants lighting oil lamps, setting off fireworks, and exchanging sweets.
What is Diwali?
The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th occurred during the reign of this Roman emperor, who later became the first Christian emperor.
Who is Constantine the Great?
In this country, Ded Moroz (Father Frost) brings gifts on New Year’s Eve, but he also serves as a symbol of winter’s magic. He is often depicted as a blue-robed figure, different from the red-suited Western version of Santa.
What is Russia?