Some people start the
morning with a church service
, while others get straight to opening their Christmas presents. After the morning of activities, friends and families gather together for a Christmas lunch or dinner, followed by some backyard games like cricket, or a well-earned nap!
What are some Christmas traditions in Africa?
- Church services and Christmas caroling. …
- Special Christmas feasts. …
- Not everyone believes in Santa Claus. …
- Christmas isn't on the same day everywhere in Africa. …
- Gift-giving at Christmas time. …
- Unique Christmas decorations.
What does Christmas mean in South Africa?
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25 in Catholic, Protestant, and most Orthodox churches, is a
public holiday
in South Africa. On this day Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. The date is traditional and is not considered to be the actual date of his birth.
What gifts are given on Christmas in South Africa?
If gifts are exchanged in poorer communities, they are typically items such as
school books, soap, cloth, candles or other practical goods
. If you're invited to a South African's home for a meal, it is common courtesy to bring flowers, good quality chocolates or a bottle of South African wine to your host or hostess.
How long does Christmas last?
The
12 Days
of Christmas start on Christmas Day and last until the evening of the 5th January – also known as Twelfth Night.
What are some traditions in South Africa?
- The Royal Reed Dance. This festival marks one of the celebrated Zulu holidays and festivals. …
- The Cape Town International Jazz Festival. …
- Jacaranda Festival. …
- Cape Town Minstrel Carnival. …
- The Arts Alive Festival. …
- Oppikoppi Bushveld Festival. …
- Knysna Oyster Festival.
How do South Africa say Merry Christmas?
In Afrikaans (one the languages spoken in South Africa) Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘
Geseënde Kersfees'
. So, Geseënde Kersfees to all and don`t forget to be good for the rest of the year!
What is Santa called in Africa?
Santa goes by a few names in South Africa, including
Sinterklaas (St Nicholas)
and Kersvader (Father Christmas) for those who speak Afrikaans.
When did Africa start celebrating Christmas?
History of Christmas in Africa
Although historians are debating about the actual date of his birth, the overall accepted date is December 25th. African history has an additional layer to the worldwide known account of Christmas. The earliest signs of Christian belief were found in Egypt in the
1st century AD
.
Are special clothes worn on Christmas in South Africa?
Christmas in South Africa is a summer holiday.
Christmas fir
is put in a corner, along with presents for children around the base of the fir. In the United States, no special clothes are worn on Christmas, though some may wear a special outfit or a Santa hat as a personal choice.
What are some fun facts about Christmas in South Africa?
- No White Christmas in South Africa.
- Enjoy the Event of “Carols by Candlelight”
- Get the Taste of Real South African Braai.
- Experience Some Amazing Christmas Decorations.
- Be a Random Guest at Christmas Eve Dinner.
- Greetings in a New Language.
What clothing is worn on Christmas?
But usually,
pants, shirts and even a tie
are considered as the necessities a man should dress. If you think wearing in such a way is too formal, you can remove the tie or loosen some buttons of your shirt. Women usually have more questions about how to wear their clothes correctly and decently.
Is Candlemas the end of Christmas?
It falls on
February 2
, which is traditionally the 40th day of and the conclusion of the Christmas–Epiphany season. While it is customary for Christians in some countries to remove their Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night (Epiphany Eve), those in other Christian countries historically remove them after Candlemas.
How many weeks is a Catholic Christmas?
While Christians of many denominations observe this period, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the
four weeks
preceding Christmas with many special observances in order to prepare for the coming of Christ.
How many days are Catholic Christmas?
The
Twelve Days
of Christmas (Christmastide)
Since 1970, Roman Catholics have celebrated Epiphany on the first Sunday after the Octave of Christmas (that is, the first Sunday after January 1) . . . which kind of messes up the whole twelve nights tradition.
How do u say hello in South Africa?
1.
Howzit
– A traditional South African greeting that translates roughly as “How are you?” or simply “Hello”. 2. Heita – An urban and rural greeting used by South Africans.
