Christmas around the world: exchange students report

Exchange students from the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol gave us exclusive insights into the festive customs of their home countries. From culinary specialties to local legends and self-created rituals – here are some Christmas traditions from Finland, Italy and Japan.

FINLAND: RICE PUDDING AND A SAUNA SESSION

In Finland, Christmas morning traditionally begins with a bowl of rice pudding. If you find an almond in your bowl, you can look forward to good luck in the coming year. Equally important for the Finns at Christmas – and not only at Christmas, but whenever it is cold – is a session in the sauna. Rounded off with a long walk with their dog in the forest, this is the perfect Christmas day for them, reports a student from Finland who is spending a semester abroad in Kufstein. In the evening, the family gathers, eats together and opens presents.

ITALY: THE LEGEND OF BEFANA

In Italy, the legend of the witch Befana enriches the Christmas season. According to tradition, Befana wanted to bring gifts to the baby Jesus, but missed the Christmas star and was too late. That is why this custom is not celebrated on Christmas Eve – the Feast of Befana falls on January 5 and 6. The witch then flies from house to house bringing gifts to boys and girls. Good children receive toys and sweets, while naughty children get coal and ashes, says an exchange student from Italy. 

JAPAN: CHRISTMAS WITH KFC AND MAGIC OF LIGHTS

In Japan, a special Christmas tradition has been established: since 1974, the fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken has been advertising with the slogan Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii (Kentucky at Christmas). This campaign has led to the crispy chicken legs being very popular at Christmas, as an exchange student from Japan reports. He adds that the Japanese offshoot of the fast food chain uses famous actors and catchy slogans to cement the image of Christmas at Kentucky. What's more, many Japanese people also order pizza for the holiday, which means that viewers can hardly avoid TV commercials for Domino's and Pizza Hut in the run-up to Christmas. Christmas illuminations are also very popular in Japan. In Tokyo, the Keyakizaka Illumination and the Ao no Doukutsu (Blue Cave) in Shibuya are among the most famous.

No matter where or how Christmas is celebrated: We wish all students at the FH Kufstein Tirol a wonderful and relaxing Christmas season!

Links:

• International Relations Office (IRO) | Website