Welcome Guest Tanya Sen

Welcome to Mary's Garden. It's that time of the year when holiday traditions are on everyone's mind. But first before we get started, a garden tip. 

https://www.gardendesign.com/winter/tips.html

Four season interest

Evaluate your garden for winter color. There's nothing like winter-blooming plants to lift your spirits during the colder months. Shrubs such as winter hazel, witch hazel and honeysuckle offer color and fragrance at a time when you need it most. Early bulbs including snowdrops, species crocus and winter aconite will even pop up through a shallow cover of snow, giving you hope that spring is not far away.

Welcome Tanya Sen, she will be sharing unique holiday traditions. 
Bio:

Tanya Sen quit her well-paying job to follow her dreams and become a writer. She is now

creating and managing digital content to build relationships for organizations and

individuals. An avid traveler, having visited more than 40 countries. She loves to cook and

try different cuisines. She now lives in Goa, India.

5 Unique Christmas Celebrations across the World

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. For few weeks, every year, the entire world takes on a magical glow. Winter feels cozy and people seem merrier. The fantastic decorations, delicious foods and wonderful Christmas presents for everyone lend so much excitement to the atmosphere. Irrespective of whether you are celebrating a religious festival, or a more secular occasion, you are sure to have your own choice of customs and rituals.

This makes the holiday season so special. The various Christmas celebrations around the world are different and guarantee oodles of fun. Take a look at some of the unique Christmas celebrations of the world.

The Giant Lantern Festival of Philippines

The Giant Lantern Festival is held every year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in San Fernando. This is the considered to be the Christmas capital of Philippines. As a matter of fact, the festival attracts people from all over the world. Eleven villages known as barangays take part in the competition or the festival. The competition is to build the fiercest lantern. Originally, the lantern that was created was around half a meter in diameter. It was made of original Japanese paper known as papel de hapon. Today the lantern is made of various materials and has also grown in size. It is illuminated with electric bulbs.

Gavle Goat, Sweden

Since 1966, there has been a 13 meter tall Yule Goat at the center of Gavle’s Castle Square. This Swedish tradition led to another popular tradition where people tried to burn down the goat. From 1966, the Goat has been burned down about 29 times. The recent destruction was in the year 2016.

Krampus, Austria

In Austria, there is a beast-like creature which roams around the streets. It frightens the kids and also punishes the bad ones. However, you should not confuse this with Halloween. This beast is actually, St. Nicholas’s evil accomplice known as Krampus. In the Austrian tradition, St. Nicholas tends to rewards little boys and girls who are good. While, on the other hand, Krampus captures the naughty children and put them away in his sack. In the first week of December, men dress up like Krampus to frighten the children with bells and chains.

The Yule Lads, Iceland

In the thirteen days that leads up to Christmas, 13 characters that look like trolls come out and play in the Iceland. The Yule Lads visit all the children throughout the country over the thirteen nights which lead up to Christmas. For each of these thirteen nights, children place their best pair of shoes by the window. The Yule Lads visits every house and leave gifts for good boys and girls and rotten potatoes for the naughty ones. These lads dress up in traditional islander costume. They have names that hint at the kind of trouble that they cause.

Saint Nicolas Day, Germany

You should not confuse this with Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas). In this tradition, Nikolaus travels by donkey in midnight on December 6. He leaves treats such as chocolate, coins, toys, and oranges in the shoes of good children at home or school. In exchange for the gift, the children have to recite a poem, draw a picture, or sing a song. However, at times, Nikolaus brings along a devil like character who is dressed in dark clothes with dirty beard and belles. He is Knecht Ruprecht who carries a small whip or stick in hand to punish children misbehaving. 

Thank you, Tanya, for joining us at Mary's Garden and sharing celebrations across the world.