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Round 5: Bonkers Christmas traditions - Group 1 (Catalina, Fernanda & Warren)

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Round 5: Bonkers Christmas traditions - Group 1 (Catalina, Fernanda & Warren)

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Question 41. In Austria, who is the festive character ‘Krampus’ looking for?

Answer: c) Naughty children

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Round 5: Bonkers Christmas traditions - Group 1 (Catalina, Fernanda & Warren)

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Round 5: Bonkers Christmas traditions - Group 1 (Catalina, Fernanda & Warren)

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Question 44. In which country do the women celebrate Little Christmas on the 6th January?

Answer: Ireland.

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Local traditions

In some communities, the evening was capped off by the woman of the house lighting 12 candles in the window. Many families would stroll around and look at the houses lit up. In the days before electricity, it must have been quite a sight, the "brightest night of the year" according to one resident of the Arran Islands.

Irish academic Alan Titley says women around the country enjoyed the day in different ways. "Most women in West Kerry would have raised five or six turkeys for sale at the Christmas market. They kept the money - like egg money - and if there was anything left over after Christmas they spent it on themselves," Titley says.

In an Irish Times article, scholar and fiction writer Angela Bourke recalls spending Nollaig na mBan in the Dingle area and seeing "quite elderly people in restaurants in Dingle on that night. These wouldn't be people who would normally eat out. The women were being taken out by their husbands because it was Nollaig na mBan, and they were being treated." She suggests that urban Irish women now view the day as something akin to International Women's Day.

Little Christmas

There were a number of other customs around Little Christmas. It is considered unlucky in Ireland to take down the Christmas tree and decorations before the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6th, a custom that is still recognised and practiced by many. While most of the decorations were put away for another year, holly was traditionally retained for Shrove Tuesday, when it would be used in the fire for cooking the pancakes on that day. In the past and today in many homes, holly was used a lot in decorating houses for the Christmas season!

According to RTE writer Marion McGarry, on this day in some parts of the country, mothers rubbed the tail of a herring across the eyes of their children to give immunity against disease for the rest of the year. It was also believed that one should have the floor swept and have a bucket of clean water ready before going to bed that night and that the water from that bucket should never be used in the morning.

Here at Ireland Chauffeur Travel, we are lucky to have a team of wonderfully skilled women always striving to exceed the expectations of our clients. We thank you every day but especially today - Orla, Alison, Michelle, Alma, Anne, and, of course, Beatrice. Thank you!

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Nollaig na mBan: Why January 6th is a day to celebrate women of Ireland

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Nollaig na mBan is celebrated on January 6th in Ireland. Find out about the roots, the traditions and how it is celebrated today.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 1.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 1.

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Cougnou is a bread made in the form of Baby Jesus

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Round 5: Bonkers Christmas traditions - Group 1 (Catalina, Fernanda & Warren)

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Round 5: Bonkers Christmas traditions - Group 1 (Catalina, Fernanda & Warren)

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46. Which country celebrates Schmutzli, basically the anti-Santa, who wears a black robe and has a dark beard and a whip?

Answer: Switzerland. This is too much!

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Schmutzli: the Swiss Santa's sinister sidekick

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This weekend a red-cloaked figure with a white woolly beard and sack of presents has been paying calls on children across Switzerland. This is not the Santa Claus known to English-speaking countries but the Swiss version - who is normally accompanied by a strange-looking individual with a blacked out face.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 10.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 10.

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The most popular Christmas dessert in New Zealand.

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Round 5: Bonkers Christmas traditions - Group 1 (Catalina, Fernanda & Warren)

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Round 5: Bonkers Christmas traditions - Group 1 (Catalina, Fernanda & Warren)

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Question: 49. In which country is it traditional to keep a fire burning to ward off goblins?

Answer: Greek.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 6.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 6.

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KFC is a traditional food in Japan for Christmas

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 7

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 7

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A traditional English dessert that Rachel try to make on Friend.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the world. Answer 4.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the world. Answer 4.

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Traditional Italian Panettone comes from Milan.

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 8

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Christmas Food and Drink Around the World. Answer 8

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In Australia and New Zealand people usually eat BBQ for Christmas

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It is celebrated on January 6 in Ireland and January 1 in the Scottish Highlands

This celebration is called Women's Christmas because Irish men take on household duties for the day. Some women hold parties or go out on 6 January with their friends, sisters, mothers and aunts. As a result, parties of women and girls are common in bars and restaurants on this night.

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Schmutzli means an ugly character with a concealed face, and this figure appeared with a black face, red eyes and a black cap.

Schmutzlis normally appeared in groups.

Schmutzli is the opposite of Samichlaus (Santa Claus)

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Reaction to KFC as a Christmas tradition in Japan

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Reaction to KFC as a Christmas tradition in Japan

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KFC Japan’s busiest day is usually December 24, on which they usually sell about five to 10 times more than typical days.

Those who don’t reserve a bucket see themselves in long queues for hours.

The company launched its “Kentucky for Christmas” marketing campaign in 1974 and the first iteration of the party buckets soon followed.

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The word panettone derives from panetto, a small loaf of bread and means "large bread".

Italian food manufacturing companies and bakeries produce 117 million panettone and pandoro cakes every Christmas, collectively worth €579 million.

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Reaction on Christmas Food and Drink Aroun the World (Japan and KFC)

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Reaction on Christmas Food and Drink Aroun the World (Japan and KFC)

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This caught my attention so curious on why KFC is a traditional food in Japan during Christmas it said that a group of visitors during the holiday season in the 1970s discovered that finding turkey in Japan was extremely difficult. Instead, they opted for a fried chicken Christmas dinner.

The first KFC restaurant opened in 1970. Its manager at that time Takeshi Okawara had a genius idea: selling “party barrel” for Christmas. They weren't as much competition for Christmas food back then (Japan celebrates Christmas without festive lights, Christmas trees, and other decorations. Japanese celebrate this holiday in an entirely different way.) so the “Kentucky for Christmas” filled a void. It became a tradition every Christmas just like turkey in the United States of America.

I attach a link to learn more about this tradition in Japan.

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With the winter, chill setting in, twinkling lights and festive cheer lits up the streets of Japan. The scrumptious aroma of food sails through the air as families and friends gather to celebrate Christmas. The Japanese have their unique traditions, especially when it comes to Christmas cuisine, and one particular dish has become synonymous with the holiday season - fried chicken. Yes, you read that right!

A bucket of KFC fried chicken has become a must-have for many Japanese households on Christmas day since 1970. The story behind this quirky tradition is both surprising and intriguing described below. So, gird up your loins to delve into the rich tradition of Japanese Christmas foods. Discover the fascinating stories and mouth-watering dishes that make this holiday season unique.

What Food Do Japanese Eat for Christmas?

Unlike many Western countries, Japan celebrates Christmas without festive lights, Christmas trees, and other decorations. Japanese celebrate this holiday in an entirely different way. Instead of having family time like in American and European countries, the Japanese love having a couple-time.

The romantic couples spend the Christmas eves eating famous Kentucky fried chicken, which became a part of Japanese tradition in 1970 after the "Kentucky for Christmas" campaign. In addition to the fried chicken, Japanese love having pizza, stews, potato salads, wagashi, and Christmas cake, of course, for dessert part.

Roasted or Fried Chicken

Well, it's becoming increasingly popular in Japan to celebrate Christmas with a fried chicken dinner that is more focused on commerce than the sanctity of the holiday. Though, after KFC's promotional campaign, fried chicken from KFC stores became the trendy Christmas dinner, many people still enjoy teriyaki chicken and karaage- the original Japanese recipes.

The reason why Japan favors chicken over turkey (which is consumed in other countries on holidays) is the shortage of turkey in Japan. That's why you find roasted or fried chicken selling all over Japan at holy events.

Why is KFC the Traditional Christmas Meal in Japan?

Kentucky fried chicken became the traditional Japanese food on Christmas, probably due to Kentucky for Christmas advertisement. Kentucky for Christmas was the promotional campaign run by the marketing agency of KFC in Japan in 1970. This marketing strategy resulted from an unintentional spike in fried chicken sales on Christmas due to increased purchases made by a guy who didn't get roasted turkey in bulk for a gathering at his house.

After this promotional campaign, KFC became the first meal choice for the Japanese on the Christmas holidays. In addition to the fried thighs and leg pieces, the KFC bucket for the family includes large chicken pieces, Christmas cake, and wine. Moreover, because of the increased demand and sales, Japanese preorder their meals a week or two ahead instead of waiting in long queues for hours.

Christmas Cake

Along with the fried chicken craze, Christmas cake, which is more akin to strawberry shortcake, is a popular Japanese treat during the holiday season. The cake has tiers of vanilla sponge, each stacked with white icing, and the top is decorated with several berries and strawberries. The red strawberries on top and the white frosting on the cake resemble the flag of Japan, hence loved by all Japanese enthusiasts.

Pizza

During Christmas celebrations in Japan, KFC has traditionally been the popular choice. However, other fast-food outlets also capitalize on the holiday's increasing popularity. The pizza industry in Japan has been particularly booming in promoting pizza as a viable alternative to traditional Christmas dinners. This achievement is due to the reality that pizza is already associated with party food in Japan, making it a natural choice for festive gatherings.

To this end, popular pizza chains like Pizza Hut, Pizza-La, and Domino's have introduced Christmas and winter specials featuring toppings that embody the season's spirit, such as roast chicken, roast beef, camembert cheese, and truffles. One emerging trend is the "Quattro" pizza, which features four flavors and topping combinations on each pizza quarter.

Chanmery

Chanmery- a popular non-alcoholic drink that speaks of champagne and merry Christmas, is the best drink for children at a holiday party. It takes like carbonated grape juice with a twist, also known as sparkling sake. The chanmery bottle cap pops open like a wine cork and features cartoon characters on the label, making it evident that children are welcome to consume this beverage. Now it is widely regarded as a children's drink for Christmas.

Cream Stew

Cream stew is a hearty, comforting, and warming meal for chilly winter nights and so the best meal to serve on Christmas eve. Made with tender and juicy chicken or pork dipped in a creamy roux and delighted with earthy mushrooms and fresh vegetables, the cream stew is sure to make you feel satiated and cheerful; since tasty meal, happy you.

Potato Salad

Another Japanese staple on Christmas is a potato salad, usually served as a side dish. German cuisine incorporated this comforting side into the traditional Japanese meals for Christmas that make you feel fuller and satiated.

Wagashi

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese confection often served with green tea. Wagashi replaces the shortbread cookies on Christmas get-togethers and parties adorned beautifully with best-suited colors and symbols to harmonize the sanctity and spirituality of the occasion. You can find wagashi in the reindeer, the Christmas tree, Santa, socks, shoes, snowflakes, gingerbread, bulbs, gift packages, earmuff, wreaths, and star shapes.

Also Read: Learn How to Cook Japanese Food: Expert Techniques, Knife Skills, and Balancing Flavors

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the Japanese holiday season is a lovely fusion of culinary customs and contemporaneity. Whether you're craving savory stews or sweet cakes, crispy fried chicken, or melt-in-the-mouth wagyu beef, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds.

Japanese Christmas food stands out not only because of the flavors but also because of the relatable stories and ceremonial significance that go along with it. No matter wherever you are, don't forget to lift a glass of hot sake or sparkling cider and say, "Kanpai!" (Cheers!) to the joy of togetherness and delicious Christmas food.

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What Food Do Japanese Eat for Christmas? | Sanraku Restaurant

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What Food Do Japanese Eat for Christmas? Discover the fascinating stories and mouth-watering dishes that make this holiday season unique.

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Reaction on Christmas Food and Drink Aroun the World

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Reaction on Christmas Food and Drink Aroun the World

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While searching for the bread called Cougnou it said is a bread baked made in a form of a baby, it is made during Christmas time.

It originated around south-west Belgium, and has spread across Belgium and the north of France.

It is made with flour, eggs, milk, yeast, raisins and sugar.