Ghana is a small country compared to giants like Nigeria. Nigeria for example has about 550 different native languages which implies about 551 different ways of saying "Merry Christmas" in Nigeria. So, when African people decorate trees during this period, they are sending regards to ancient times when Ra’s birthday was celebrated. Here is why!The vast majority of African countries are entering the hot season of the year. Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25 in Catholic, Protestant, and most Orthodox churches, is a public holiday in South Africa. Christianity has been on the continent since the middle of the 1st century, and approximately 350 million Africans are Christian — so, they’ve had a lot of time to develop their own unique holiday traditions, like masquerade parties and dining al fresco. A. On the other hand, an Africa Christmas does not have a lot of those characteristics but is nonetheless remarkable. Mothers give out their best cooking skills on Christmas day. When it comes to drinks to wash down, many people in my community prefer to go local on Christmas day. You can also see many decorations on indigenous poinsettia trees.The meals consist of chicken or pork with yellow rice. In fact, Africa loves Christmas more than any other continent and we take Christmas to a whole new level. The most commonly prepared main dish consists of turkey, goat, sheep, or chicken, and side dishes range from fried rice to jollof rice, skewed beef (suya), and vegetable salads.Also, depending on what tribe a family is from, they will make meals from their trip. all celebrate christmas in their own special ways. Among the Swahili-speaking people of Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo and Uganda, you may hear either "Krismasi Njema" or "Heri ya Krismasi" which are the two most popular ways of saying "Merry Christmas" in Swahili (one of the most popular native languages in Africa today). MadagascarThe African Christmas tradition in Madagascar is more traditional than in South Africa. How can an African continent plagued with so much suffering celebrate a joyous moment such as Christmas? Christmas in South Africa In South Africa, the people are mostly Christian. In South Africa there is no snow at Christmas time, so locals can only dream of a snowy Christmas. Hundreds of shoppers were fighting for the balloons which were stuffed with prizes. It is also considered the celebration of the winter solstice in some countries. We celebrate Christmas in a whole new style. Among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin, you may hear "E ku odun, e ku iye'dun" which is just another way of saying "Merry Christmas" in Yoruba. The love feast is a ceremony where people come as they are to eat, drink, and be merry. What to do on Christmas day: Christmas in South Africa is celebrated right in the middle of summer, so there is no such thing as a white Christmas. If this statement sparks your interest, you are in the right place. The 12 days begin on Christmas Day. South Africans celebrate Christmas a bit differently in South Africa from other parts of the world, but the celebrations and festive spirit is similar.In short, Christmas in South Africa is all about the outdoors, food, friends and family. In many African countries, it symbolises the birth of African God Ra (Osiris). Also, most restaurants and shops will be closed since it is a national holiday, so most people do grocery shopping well in advance. In fact, Santa Claus would be jobless in my community in Africa because our "Father Christmas" does not need snow to travel. A vital component of the love feast is a gift exchange. NigeriaChristmas is one of the most festive times in Nigeria, and it is time people spend with their families to show appreciation to their loved ones.One of the most exciting advantages of living in Nigeria is that you will get to observe both Christian and Muslim holidays since those are the two primary religions in the country. Q. Usually, in South Africa, people eat traditional Christmas meals which include mince pies, yellow rice, turkey, suckling pig, etc. It is a gift every kid in my community receives from his or her parents whether rich or poor. In Africa, Christmas is more than just a holiday and we celebrate it with passion. We inherited most of our traditions from other countries, including the USA and UK. Combined with the fact that it is a public holiday, you will see a lot of people hanging out outside.Many families go camping in massive tents, while those staying in cities organise outdoor events like traditional barbecue (braai). No matter how inexpensive a gift item is, everyone has to participate.You exchange your wrapped gift with your church family and friends and establish new friendships during the process. GiftsChristmas and gifting are two inseparable concepts, and Africa is no exception. In fact, any family that fails to "assassinate" chicken during Christmas time, has broken perhaps one of the most important rules of Christmas and must be prepared to face the consequences (which include having to deal with the shame all year long). Traditionally referred to as Ganna, an Ethiopian Christmas typically begins with a day of fasting, followed by church services and a feast that includes stew, vegetables and sourdough bread. In fact, there are about 46 native languages spoken in Ghana today which implies, there are about 47 different ways of saying Merry Christmas in Ghana alone. Decor. Palm trees are also ideal for decorating with lanterns and bells. A balloon drop at Westfield Parramatta mall in Sydney went awry, when several people were injured in the chaos. Christmas in South Africa and Namibia. Going to church on Christmas Eve is very common, and families eat dinner in large community gatherings is commonly observed, especially outside churches.You will hear strangers saying Merry Christmas to each other in the Malagasy language. Catholics receive blessing during last years’s Christmas prayers at Rubaga Cathedral. January 7th, is the day when the historically Ethiopian Christmas has been celebrated and Ethiopians are not the only ones who do so. Why Experience an African Christmas?Have you ever thought of experiencing an African Christmas? What is Africa’s Christmas traditions? Yes, it is true there is no snow for Rudolph the red nosed reindeer and Santa Claus to travel on but that does not mean Christmas is dead in Africa. What religion doesn’t celebrate Christmas Do Indians celebrate Christmas. These people like to have dinner on 25th of December and 24th of December. 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. In the evening, large dinner parties are organised, especially for the poor who can’t afford many meals in daily life. With over 350 million Christians living in the continent, many Southern and West African countries celebrate Christmas with massive festivities, even those that are predominantly Muslim. Instead, flowers are in full bloom, beautiful butterflies, bees and other insects are abundant, and the sun is always shining. Either way, Christmas is a time for family and merrymaking. To a white Afrikaner in South Africa or Namibia, you can say "Geseënde Kersfees" which is simply "Merry Christmas" in Afrikaans. DinnerChristmas dinner is a perfect opportunity for family gatherings, so African communities take it very seriously. For example, Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia are Anglophone (English-speaking) countries. South Africa South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so the country celebrates Christmas during the hot summertime of the year. On this day Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Christmas is a holiday filled with good cheer, joyful decorations, and time with family and friends. Instead of expensive gifts, people usually gift each other affordable items or services. Despite the abundance of sheep, goats, and cattle in my community, chicken remains the "chairman" of Christmas and has perhaps the best "personality" when it comes to Christmas dishes. Of course, there are several variations to celebrating an African Christmas, depending on if you are single, have a family, or the elderly.Typically, smaller families can celebrate Christmas day with other families. In the Muslim world, Christmas is not celebrated publicly, except in the minority Christian communities in the Middle East, but in North Africa – none at all. Turn on the TV or the radio, and you will not find Christmas programs. There were children among those injured in the crush, and several were sent to hospital. COURTESY. So what do Africans eat on Christmas? You can see a list of the most popular Nigerian food during the festive season.Community service is also a considerable part of an African Christmas in Nigeria. Christmas is celebrated on December 25, but celebrations tend to occur from Christmas Eve through December 26, which is Boxing Day, and traditionally a day of relaxation and family time. The supper is usually served with lamb or sheep. Most Christian households go to church service is held on Christmas morning to celebrate the birth of Christ. Wherever the Gregorian calendar is used, New Year's Eve falls on December 31. This means, you get your presents on time. How Hindus celebrate Christmas. Matooke is an essential ingredient in the meals as in indigenous fruit that is steamed and mashed.Interestingly, children of Uganda don’t believe in Santa Claus, which is why they never expect gifts. BBC Africa visited schools in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania to find out … You will remember any "fufu and chicken soup" you taste in Ghana on Christmas day and you will definitely turn Oliver Twist and ask for more "Eba and Egusi soup" in Nigeria on a Christmas day. Let's eat, drink, help the poor and the needy, make new friends, play safe, and enjoy Christmas. Read more about Christmas traditions in Africa, e.g. Although there is no special dish for Christmas, anything you taste on Christmas day must feel good in your mouth. Other activities during love feast include singing, dancing, Bible recitation. Cakes or desserts are made of lychees that commonly grow in Madagascar. Unlike Santa, Father Christmas can travel even on horses and horses are way faster than reindeers. They even decorate mosques with Christmas trees. So instead of Merry Christmas, you can say "Joyeux Noël" which is the most popular way of saying Merry Christmas in French. Do Africans celebrate Christmas? People who live in rural areas try their best with the available resources like food and electricity to be part of the Christmas celebration. African children will be celebrating Christmas in many different ways. In my community, Christmas has become a tradition and tradition must go on. In fact, the local "palm wine" replaces fanta, coca cola, and most other foreign drinks on Christmas day in my Community. Christmas on the African continent is festive, colorful and loud! Every tribal group has its own languages so it depends on where you go. To celebrate Christmas, decorate your home and do things to get yourself in the spirit. Just as turkey reigns supreme during Thanksgiving in America, so chicken conquers all other favorites during Christmas period in my community in Africa. History of Christmas in AfricaHave you ever thought of experiencing an African Christmas? "Afishapa" (more correctly, 'Afenhyiapa') means Merry Christmas (or Happy New Year) in the Ashanti language. Senegal does celebrate Christmas despite being a Muslim dominated country. Although the majority of the continent cannot afford a luxury lifestyle, gifting remains a common tradition. You will barely see any Christmas trees or fancy Christmas lights. For Chadians, spending time with family is the most crucial aspect of Christmas, and they do that indoors, so you are less likely to encounter outdoor events. In my community, Christmas is so special to us because it is one of very few holidays we get in a year. What makes Christmas so special? Yes, it is true there is no snow for Rudolph the red nosed reindeer and Santa Claus to travel on but that does not mean Christmas is dead in Africa. In Africa, Christmas is more than just a holiday and we celebrate it with passion. That is not to say Christmas is taken for granted in Africa. Enobong Paulinus Udoidiong - Rome, Italy. Christmas is celebrated throughout Africa and it is the most wonderful time of the year. Though most friends and families do not exchange gifts, commu… Although these countries do not celebrate Christmas in a conventional like in the United States or Europe, the unique and distinct differences are worth noting. Christmas Day in South Africa Christmas Day, on December 25, is one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world. For the dessert, people like to eat puddings like Lekker Pudding or Christmas Pudding. On the other hand, countries like Ivory Coast, Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Togo, Mali, Niger, Congo, Guinea and Gabon are Francophone (French speaking countries). Christmas Day in South Africa is celebrated on December 25th each year and celebrates the birth of Jesus. In my community, Christmas without chicken is considered a "dead Christmas". Combined with the fact that it … Christmas is celebrated throughout Africa and it is the most wonderful time of the year. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI. They usually have grandparents from the countryside to be part of this special day.In a larger family, one family member hosts the celebration, and kids, grandkids, parents, grandparents, friends and families, and people in the community are invited to come to have fun. With more than 350 million Christians living in the continent, many Southern and West African countries celebrate Christmas with massive festivities, even those that are predominantly Muslim.Although these countries do not celebrate Christmas in a conventional like in the United States or Europe, the unique and distinct differences are worth noting. Buying gifts is also quite rare since people cannot afford it.The morning of Christmas is spent at a traditional breakfast called millet. Now that the holidays are in full swing, we thought we’d take a look at how different countries in Africa celebrate Christmas. The church ceremonies consist of carols, nativity play, and dance performances.In some countries like Malawi, children dance and sing while other children play traditional instruments. This means that although they celebrate on December 25, … Ashanti is not the only native language spoken in Ghana. In fact, Africa loves Christmas more than any other continent and we take Christmas to a whole new level. Christmas in Kenya is considered a public holiday. There are dance and singing performances, competitions and football matches all over the city. Two chimpanzees have fun on African Christmas party in a rainforest. It is the duty of every family to make Christmas joyous and it is the responsibility of every parent to buy "Christmas gifts" for their children. Christmas meals are usually slow-cooked one day in advance. What do Africans eat on Christmas? Also, among the Hausa-speaking people of Niger, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Togo, it is very common to hear "barka dà Kirsìmatì" which is another way of saying Merry Christmas in Hausa (one of the most popular native languages spoken in Africa today). However, you may be surprised to hear "Afishapa" which is just another way of saying "Merry Christmas" in Ghana. Do you know how Christmas is celebrated in African countries? Church congregations play a crucial role by organising events to visit the orphanages, adult family, and homeless homes, to visit the families and children.The church members come with gifts, food, and drink, and the choirs will perform Christmas songs in many languages like Yoruba, Fulani, and Igbo. How do Africans celebrate Christmas? In some countries, churches can organise parades as well.No matter what country you visit, you will notice the significance of the church in Christmas celebrations. Christmas is often associated with North America and European countries showcasing glowing Christmas light shows, winter markets, parades, and picturesque views of snow-capped mountains. These children usually receive gifts afterward. Among the Zulu-speaking people of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Swaziland, you may hear "UKhisimusi omuhle" which is simply "Merry Christmas" in Zulu. The mall’s owners have said they will investigate the incident. "Christmas clothes" has become a tradition in my community and tradition must go on. My view is that the full impact of COVID-19 on the African continent will take time before it is fully understood. Among Lingala-speaking people of DR Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, Central African Republic and Angola, you may hear "Mbotama Malamu" which is just another way of saying "Merry Christmas" in the Lingala language. Christians, Muslims, Traditional worshippers, etc. You will encounter not only the vibe of the holiday but also the culture and heritage of the country.If you could choose a country to visit during the holiday season to experience an African Christmas, which one would you choose and why? Christmas in Ghana is fun and relaxing at the same time but there are a few fun facts about the festivities in Ghana. Among the Fulani-speaking people of Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, Togo, Guinea and Sierra Leone, you may hear "Jabbama be salla Kirismati" which is the most popular way of saying "Merry Christmas" in Fulani. Well, that is a very big question. In South Africa, people celebrate Christmas in summer because December is one of the hottest months of the year. Popular African Food to Celebrate Christmas Published: 5/06/2020 Updated: 5/06/2020 Christmas traditions do vary in each culture but nothing beats the fact that this celebration won’t be complete without a sumptuous array of holiday food shared with our … Once again, that depends on where you go in Africa on Christmas day. Hindus in India do celebrate in December with a five-day holiday called Pancha Ganapati. in Ethiopia which is just another way of saying Merry Christmas in the Amharic language. Is always shining a luxury lifestyle, gifting remains a common tradition difference is the! 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