Celebrating Christmas Around the World – Part II

By Stephen Di Trolio

Last week we featured the traditions and memories of staff and resident scholars with OMSC. This week, we continue by sharing Christmas traditions from Ghana, Nigeria, and the Philippines from resident scholars and participants of the Online Certificate Programs. These are stories that help us not only think of the global nature of Christianity but also take a glimpse into how each culture celebrates Christmas.

 

Among the Nankani in Ghana – Dr. Rose Mary Amenga-Etego

 

 Christmas is not a traditional Nankani celebration but has gained significant importance in recent years. At the community level, Christmas is primarily seen as the New Year (Yun’paale) celebration for Christians, a season that non-Christians can also celebrate. Therefore, those with extended family members or friends who are not Christians would visit them on Christmas Day. Similarly, some friendly or curious community members may visit Christians on Christmas day to wish them well. The main meal is groundnut soup (peanut soup) with rice balls (mu kila la sinkaam ziro), the same as the typical festive meal of the Indigenous community New Year. The groundnut soup is prepared with meat from fowl, guineafowls, goats, or sheep. Those who can afford to brew pito, the local beer made from sorghum. Typically, food is prepared on the assumption that your people will visit you, including family, friends, and well-wishers. Much of the food is kept and served to visitors. Only the elderly in the household are sent their share of the festive meal. The joy is in visiting and being served, the essence of which is the communal relations and time of being together. Currently, Christians at the community level may prepare different dishes and provide other drinks in addition to the above. Christians also parcel some of the food to their relations in different parts of the community.   Regarding the sharing of presents, I remember that as a young woman from Naaga (Naga), my elderly Christian male relatives often sent me guineafowls as Christmas presents either the day before or early on Christmas day. I have also been given the same presents in a similar manner as a married woman from my male in-laws and their relatives in Kandiga. This form of providing presents reminds me of the traditional gifts given to females, especially during festive seasons.

 

The Philippines – Dr. Fides Del Castillo & Paul Mark Andres 

 

In the Philippines, the “Ber” months signal the start of the Christmas season. Filipinos love festivities and reunions. One tradition is the series of novena masses called Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass), which takes place in the dawn leading up to Christmas. Children often sing carols in the neighborhood at night until Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, families attend the Midnight Mass and then gather for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) dinner with traditional Filipino dishes. On Christmas Day, children visit relatives and neighbors to receive aguinaldo—gifts or tokens of appreciation. The spirit of togetherness, faith, and generosity I think defines a Filipino Christmas. In addition, in the Philippines, Christmas is not just a day of celebration but a week—or even more—of festivities. During this time, one can witness the “great exodus,” where people return to their roots, whether to their family, province, or closest loved ones. As they travel, Filipinos are known to bring “pasalubong,” or gifts, often extending this gesture even to strangers (based on my experience strangers or unexpected guests are sometimes counted when buying pasalubong). These experiences manifest the Filipino understanding of Christmas, encompassing external and internal encounters. Indeed, in my Filipino heritage, Christmas signifies the presence of Christ in all aspects of our lives, whether through external celebrations marked by the display of “parol” (Christmas lanterns) or through our inner encounter in our hearts.

Photo by HisArt Photos on Unsplash

Nigeria – Elizabeth Solomon

 

On Plateau State, Nigeria, December 1 marks the beginning of the Christmas season, often referred to as “Christmas Lighting”. On this day, every street is adorned with bright lights, symbolizing a sign from God. The weather shifts, bringing cold and dust, and the lights represent a festive shift in the atmosphere.  As the holiday season draws near, the markets bustle with activity. People from rural areas travel to the city to shop for decorations and festive goods. On Christmas Eve, it’s a tradition to get a new hairstyle late at night so it’s fresh for Christmas morning. By 4 a.m. on Christmas Day, the smell of rice and stew fills the air as families race to prepare their meals, almost like a friendly competition to see whose food is ready first. Children play an important role in helping distribute food, chinchin, and drinks to Christian and Muslim neighbors. In return, they’re wished a merry Christmas, often receiving money, which adds to the day’s joy. Church services are a significant part of the celebration, followed by the tradition of lighting firecrackers, locally known as “Bangers,” filling the air with excitement. However, due to the ongoing insecurity and frequent insurgencies, especially in urban areas, this year’s celebration is marked by caution. The use of firecrackers has been prohibited, as they often trigger distressing memories of past violence.  Today, many people in Plateau State stay indoors, avoiding crowded places to stay safe. The memory of last year’s attacks, particularly on December 24th, when many villages were raided, houses burned, and lives lost, still weighs heavily on the community.  In response, the Christian community prepares to commemorate and stand in solidarity with the affected areas. While the season may feel somber in some parts of the state, the spirit of togetherness and resilience remains strong.

 

 

Enjoy a Christmas greeting from our Resident Scholars in their native language.  May your days be filled with peace, hope, and joy this holiday season. As always, thank you for supporting OMSC@PTS as we continue serving the world Christian movement. Every blessing in Christ, OMSC@PTS Staff

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