The big difference is that we are in summer when it is Christmas. We celebrate Christmas … 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. During the holiday season is a great time to visit Africa. The incident took place at the end of a marathon Christmas shopping event. 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. GiftsChristmas and gifting are two inseparable concepts, and Africa is no exception. How do Africans celebrate Christmas? On Christmas Day carols are sung from Ghana to South Africa. Christmas meals are usually slow-cooked one day in advance. Either way, Christmas is a time for family and merrymaking. However, in many countries the celebration is very different than it is in North America or Europe. Compared to the previous countries on the list, Chad has the least westernised Christmas traditions. A. 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. The people of South Africa celebrate Christmas day on the 25thof December every year. How Hindus celebrate Christmas. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI. Although the majority of the continent cannot afford a luxury lifestyle, gifting remains a common tradition. Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25 in Catholic, Protestant, and most Orthodox churches, is a public holiday in South Africa. Unlike Santa, Father Christmas can travel even on horses and horses are way faster than reindeers. 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? MadagascarThe African Christmas tradition in Madagascar is more traditional than in South Africa. On the other hand, an Africa Christmas does not have a lot of those characteristics but is nonetheless remarkable. To define South African Christmas traditions are hard, because of our diversity as a nation, every race has it’s own ways in which they celebrate Christmas. Christmas in South Africa In South Africa, the people are mostly Christian. Outdoor Christmas activities in South Africa. Now that the holidays are in full swing, we thought we’d take a look at how different countries in Africa celebrate Christmas. There are dance and singing performances, competitions and football matches all over the city. Christmas on the African continent is festive, colorful and loud! Unlike other parts of the world, there is no room for a cold, snowy Christmas in South Africa. 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 … There are no Christmas dinners or reading of Christmas stories. 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. Instead of expensive gifts, people usually gift each other affordable items or services. For example, Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia are Anglophone (English-speaking) countries. So, when African people decorate trees during this period, they are sending regards to ancient times when Ra’s birthday was celebrated. DecorationsWho needs snow for Christmas decorations? Read more about Christmas traditions in Africa, e.g. The churches hold ceremonies and events during the day. To celebrate Christmas, decorate your home and do things to get yourself in the spirit. It certainly looks different in South Africa though! "Afishapa" (more correctly, 'Afenhyiapa') means Merry Christmas (or Happy New Year) in the Ashanti language. Ugandan traditionsThe proper name for Christmas in Uganda is Sekukkulu. 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. Everyone counts down to the end of the year, when all their pent-up party mood is released. In Africa, Christmas is more than just a holiday and we celebrate it with passion. Let's eat, drink, help the poor and the needy, make new friends, play safe, and enjoy Christmas. Almost everybody celebrates Christmas because Christmas in Africa is more than just the birth of the baby Jesus. That means that January 5th was celebrated just as much as A vital component of the love feast is a gift exchange. Mothers give out their best cooking skills on Christmas day. Whether you are celebrating a secular or religious Christmas, it is a day for fun, love, and happiness. Those who can afford to give more help to poor communities by donating books, clothes, and toys to orphanages or churches. 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). ChadAlthough Chad is predominantly Muslim, they do celebrate Christmas. Then the people sing Christmas carolsfollowed by the Christmas dinner. People who live in rural areas try their best with the available resources like food and electricity to be part of the Christmas celebration. The 12 days begin on Christmas Day. With the traditional touch, each African country has its handmade decorative items. Meats are roasted, gifts are exchanged, and people travel far and wide to visit family. To a white Afrikaner in South Africa or Namibia, you can say "Geseënde Kersfees" which is simply "Merry Christmas" in Afrikaans. So instead of Merry Christmas, you can say "Joyeux Noël" which is the most popular way of saying Merry Christmas in French. Christmas is a holiday filled with good cheer, joyful decorations, and time with family and friends. In fact, Africa loves Christmas more than any other continent and we take Christmas to a whole new level. 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. Christmas remains one of the most festive periods on the African calendar and perhaps the best season to be a kid in Africa. 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. Every tribal group has its own languages so it depends on where you go. These people like to have dinner on 25th of December and 24th of December. The numbers of customers on Christmas Eve have increased in shops. If this statement sparks your interest, you are in the right place. 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. Do you know how Christmas is celebrated in African countries? In many African countries, it symbolises the birth of African God Ra (Osiris). Burundians celebrate Christmas because, like Ugandans and to some extent Kenyans, they love partying at the first opportunity that presents itself but also because the population is largely Christian. What do Africans eat on Christmas? Though most friends and families do not exchange gifts, commu… So what do Africans eat on Christmas? History of Christmas in AfricaHave you ever thought of experiencing an African Christmas? Boko Haram A number of Christians in a camp for internally displaced persons in Maiduguri north eastern Nigeria gathered to celebrate Christmas despite their woes. 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. Is Christmas Day a Public Holiday? The date is traditional and is not considered to be the actual date of his birth. There are 1 billion people living on the continent of Africa in 54 countries and approximately 350 million are Christians. As you know, Africa is a very big continent with more than 2000 different languages. The supper is usually served with lamb or sheep. Christians, Muslims, Traditional worshippers, etc. In fact, the local "palm wine" replaces fanta, coca cola, and most other foreign drinks on Christmas day in my Community. 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. Almost every Christmas meal in Tanzania includes roast beef, turkey, mince pies, yellow rice, vegetables, and a pudding. Also, most restaurants and shops will be closed since it is a national holiday, so most people do grocery shopping well in advance. After visiting the church, the celebration starts with a traditional Christmas dinner party. Christmas Day in South Africa Christmas Day, on December 25, is one of the most festive Christian holidays in many countries around the world. It celebrates Jesus' birth. You may hear "Melikam Gena!" That is not to say Christmas is taken for granted in Africa. Also Among the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, you may hear "E keresimesi Oma" which is just another way of saying "Merry Christmas" in the Igbo language. all celebrate christmas in their own special ways. Combined with the fact that it … Egypt and Ethiopia follow the Julian calendar, so they celebrate Christmas on January 7th. 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. Hundreds of shoppers were fighting for the balloons which were stuffed with prizes. African Christmas traditions by countrySouth Africa South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so the country celebrates Christmas during the hot summertime of the year. 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. 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. We celebrate Christmas in a whole new style. This is unarguably the most popular holiday in all of Africa, and Christians – who are the originators of Christmas – are not the only ones to celebrate the birth of the Christ. In my community, Christmas without chicken is considered a "dead Christmas". The Indian subcontinent is the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions; namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. For the dessert, people like to eat puddings like Lekker Pudding or Christmas Pudding. In fact, Santa Claus would be jobless in my community in Africa because our "Father Christmas" does not need snow to travel. To begin, yes, Africans celebrate Christmas and yes, we love Christmas. Fun Facts about African Christmas Traditions. South Africa South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so the country celebrates Christmas during the hot summertime of the year. Enobong Paulinus Udoidiong - Rome, Italy. 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. Once again, that depends on where you go in Africa 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. Buying gifts is also quite rare since people cannot afford it.The morning of Christmas is spent at a traditional breakfast called millet. 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. African children will be celebrating Christmas in many different ways. 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. 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. Christmas in South Africa and Namibia. On this day Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. BBC Africa visited schools in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania to find out … 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. 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. The best part however is that, almost every Nigerian knows and understands "Merry Christmas" because English is the official language of Nigeria. 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. 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. Common Christmas traditions in AfricaGoing to ChurchDespite small differences among the ceremonies, going to church is a must at Christmas. Ashanti is not the only native language spoken in Ghana. DinnerChristmas dinner is a perfect opportunity for family gatherings, so African communities take it very seriously. Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Egypt celebrate Christmas according to the Coptic calendar. Turn on the TV or the radio, and you will not find Christmas programs. Although there is no special dish for Christmas, anything you taste on Christmas day must feel good in your mouth. Many people visit churches with their fanciest clothes that they bought by saving up money for months. Festivities are marked with many decorations. Hindus in India do celebrate in December with a five-day holiday called Pancha Ganapati. Nigeria for example has about 550 different native languages which implies about 551 different ways of saying "Merry Christmas" in Nigeria. How can an African continent plagued with so much suffering celebrate a joyous moment such as Christmas? When it comes to drinks to wash down, many people in my community prefer to go local on Christmas day. My view is that the full impact of COVID-19 on the African continent will take time before it is fully understood. In Africa, Christmas is more than just a holiday and we celebrate it with passion. Other activities during love feast include singing, dancing, Bible recitation. So how do people say "Merry Christmas" in Africa? However, you may be surprised to hear "Afishapa" which is just another way of saying "Merry Christmas" in Ghana. Senegal does celebrate Christmas despite being a Muslim dominated country. Christmas in Kenya is considered a public holiday. There are no Christmas trees or decorations. Here is why!The vast majority of African countries are entering the hot season of the year. The US, perceived to be one of the world’s major democracies saw that stand tested on January 6 after pro-Trump supporters breached Capitol... How boxers have been sucked into the ‘dirty game’, US ‘troubled’ at Uganda closing civic space, Short on alternatives, fans trash Twitter's Trump ban - on Twitter, Police arrest FDC’s Amuriat in Mpigi town, Minister Karooro tells US to stop preaching democracy to Ugandans. What religion doesn’t celebrate Christmas Do Indians celebrate Christmas. In my community, Christmas has become  a tradition and tradition must go on. Keep on reading!Since every African country has a distinct way of celebrating Christmas, let us take a closer look at some of these traditions.We all know the worldwide meaning of Christmas, on which people commemorate the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. This means that although they celebrate on December 25, … What is Africa’s Christmas traditions? Instead, flowers are in full bloom, beautiful butterflies, bees and other insects are abundant, and the sun is always shining. Just as turkey reigns supreme during Thanksgiving in America, so chicken conquers all other favorites during Christmas period in my community in Africa. Ghanaians however do not celebrate christmas any differently from the rest of the world although there are a few noticeable differences. Q. "Jollof Rice and fried chicken" also reign supreme on Christmas day in Africa. "Christmas clothes" has become a tradition in my community and tradition must go on. Ghana is a small country compared to giants like Nigeria. It is also considered the celebration of the winter solstice in some countries. Most Christian households go to church service is held on Christmas morning to celebrate the birth of Christ. This means, you get your presents on time. Soon the holidays will be in full swing , we thought we’d take a look at how different countries in Africa celebrate Christmas.Christianity has been on the continent since the middle of the first 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. If you’re spending Christmas in Ethiopia, you’ll have to wait a little longer than December 25, as most people follow the ancient Julian calendar and celebrate the holiday on January 7. Why Experience an African Christmas?Have you ever thought of experiencing an African Christmas? 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