Life style
Christmas traditions – celebrated around the world
From Krampus to a KFC-fueled Christmas, here’s a look at some of the world’s most fascinating holiday traditions.Countries around the world have unique end-of-year customs they’ve practiced for decades or even centuries. For instance, several Central European countries honour St. Nick’s evil counterpart, Krampus, a supernatural figure charged with punishing bad children by leaving lumps of coal in their Christmas stockings or whacking them with a birch switch.
Japan has its own special Christmas traditions, shaped in part by none other than Kentucky Fried Chicken. In the early 1970s, KFC kicked off an advertising campaign touting fried fowl as America’s favorite holiday meal. Special yuletide packaging and Santa hats on the statues of Colonel Sanders outside restaurants reinforced the message. Today, KFC Japan’s highest sales occur during the festive season, according to the Daily Mail.
Santa in Japan
While some traditions may be unfamiliar to people in the U.S., they’re well-loved customs for those who celebrate them around the world. It just goes to show that Christmas comes in all shapes and sizes. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.
Krampus, Central Europe
St. Nick’s devil-like counterpart, Krampus — celebrated throughout Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovenia, and Hungary — has one task: to punish bad children before the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. Picture a frightening half-goat demon figure, often seen with fur and horns. And instead of carrying a bag full of toys, he has a basket or sack for abducting especially naughty children and hauling them back to hell. You can experience this holiday tradition at Krampusnacht parades and parties, during which rowdy revelers cavort around town in beastly costumes.
Beach Parties, Australia
Evergreen trees and white, snowy landscapes may be some people’s idea of a perfect Christmas, but that’s not the case in Australia, where December 25 falls in the middle of summer. On the bright side, the warm weather does make it the perfect time to throw a yuletide beach party. Another popular tradition is Carols by Candlelight, where people light candles and sing holiday songs in parks and other outdoor venues. As Atlas Obscura reported, Santa sometimes even makes an appearance on the beach in Mooloolaba, Queensland, in a boat or via parasail, to hand out candy to all the kiddos. Kentucky Fried Chicken, Japan
Traditional holiday dinner for millions of people in Japan means a bucket of KFC. While Christmas itself isn’t really a religious holiday since most people in the country do not identify as Christian, it’s still a fun secular celebration. The offbeat custom is the legacy of a 1974 marketing campaign wherein the fast-food chain touted fried chicken as a traditional American yuletide feast.
Even today, in the weeks leading up to the holiday, Colonel Sanders statues outside KFC outposts all over Japan wear Santa gear, while the chicken itself is served in special holiday packaging. Who is that swooping down the chimney? Similar to Santa Claus, an old witch named La Befana flies around on her broomstick and brings good Italian children treats (and bad Italian children, coal) on Epiphany Eve.
According to the Italian Ministry of Tourism, the roots of this legend can be traced back to pre-Roman times, when similar mythical flying women were associated with the harvest, but became connected to the story of the three wise men visiting baby Jesus. The legend is celebrated on January 6 with events across the country, including the Regata delle Befane in Venice, a boat race featuring costumed participants.
Yule Lads, Iceland
Iceland has several unique Christmas traditions, ranging from the “Christmas Book Flood,” when everyone receives at least one book for Christmas, to the baking of customary leaf bread. The Yule Lads are rooted in Icelandic folklore. During the 13 days leading up to Christmas, little ones put their shoes out each night, and in the morning, they’ll find a small present from these 13 mountain trolls if they’ve been good — or a potato, in lieu of a lump of coal, if they’ve been bad. Another seasonal character, the Yule Cat, has been depicted as the Lads’ pet since the last century, according to the University of Iceland’s Icelandic Folklore website. The legendary creature has been rumored to eat naughty, lazy children who don’t receive new clothes for Christmas (a common reward for well-behaved kids who do their chores).
Single Women Tossing Shoes, Czechia
According to the Czech Tourism Authority, unmarried women will toss a shoe over their shoulder on Christmas Day, while facing away from an open door, to predict whether or not their romantic prospects will change in the next year. If it lands with the toe pointing toward the door, the woman will marry; if not, she’ll have to embrace single life for at least another year.
Night of the Radishes, Mexico
December 23 marks the Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca, Mexico, a celebration of oversized radishes, which are carved into intricate displays. According to How Stuff Works, the annual Christmas market event began in 1897 when vendors carved radishes with detailed designs to attract customers and a contest was held to honor the most creative figures. That tradition continues today. The Gävle Goat, Sweden
Some say this tradition goes back to local Swedish legends about Christmas elves riding the Yule Goat door-to-door to deliver presents, similar to Santa Claus. Researchers at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History have also traced it to ancient pagan festivals honoring the Norse god, Thor, whose chariot was pulled by goats. According to Gävle’s official tourism website, the town constructed an epic version of the Yule Goat in 1966 to promote local tourism.
Constructed of wood, rope, and straw, it’s roughly the height of a three-story house. To this day, it goes up on the first Sunday of Advent each year, and despite the presence of stationed guards, cameras, and fences, it usually gets destroyed before Christmas — so often, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported, that locals will bet on whether or not it’ll make it through the whole season.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
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These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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