MULTICULTURAL CITY
WALK IT OFF
It’s a more relaxed affair on 25 December in lots of Europe and Latin American countries; a day for visiting relatives, going on walks and digesting all the food! In Romania, however, the main meal is on Christmas Day: families come together to enjoy the fruits of their labours from the day before. Christmas Day
EPIPHANY IF THE SHOE FITS
For children in Spain, Epiphany is often more exciting than Christmas Day – it’s when they receive most of their presents. “Before going to bed, children leave their shoes out for the three wise men to fill with candies and chocolate,” says Juan Pablo, a Spanish teacher at La Dante. “When they wake up on 6 January, children all over Spain jump out of bed and run to where they left their shoes to see what gifts have been left. It’s also the day to display your gifts, so the streets are full of children trying out skates, bicycles or remote-control cars.”
Head to cambsedition. co.uk to find out about different foodie traditions at Christmas, and hear more from Cambridge’s multicultural residents!
In Turkey, Ukraine and Russia, Christmas isn’t typically celebrated on 25 December, as in Catholic countries. Instead, equivalent celebrations are held on 31 December and 1 January, with figures like Father Frost delivering presents at midnight on New Year’s Eve in Russia and Ukraine. Families who celebrate Orthodox Christmas will have a festive family dinner on 6 or 7 January. Plenty of New Year superstitions are observed around the world. “In Turkey, people try to make sure that they’re in a good mood when midnight strikes, as this is thought to guarantee happiness for the year ahead,” explains Hadra, who teaches at the University of Cambridge Language Centre. Meanwhile in Italy, fish is eaten with a generous serving of lentils, which are believed to bring joy, money and love. In Southern Italy, it’s customary to throw old objects out the window at midnight as a gesture, saying goodbye to the old year. “Some go crazy, especially in Naples where people throw away old mattresses or chairs,” says Giulia, director of La Dante. “If you’re going to a nearby party, better to go after that event – it’s a lot safer!” NEW YEAR’S EVE AND NEW YEAR’S DAY OUT WITH THE OLD
New Year (again) TIME-HONOURED TRADITIONS
The celebration of Orthodox Christmas on 7 January in Russia and Ukraine creates the seemingly unusual situation of celebrating Christmas after New Year. As a result, Russian families often celebrate ‘Old New Year’ from 13-14 January. In the past, the Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society has recognised this date by holding a party in Cambridge with live music, sharing plates, a raffle and disco for the local community. While the Chinese community in Cambridge celebrates Christmas (despite this not being the custom in China), Chinese New Year is the event expats look forward to most. The Cambridge Chinese Community Centre holds a celebration in January that attracts over 500 people each year, featuring a range of traditional performances. Stay tuned to find out more next issue!
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK DECEMBER 2022 75
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