Shoes and Christmas: The Most Curious Traditions in the World
December is the month when anything can happen: a boy can defend his house from a gang of thieves using Christmas balls and bricks ( Home Alone ) and two men can swap lives with hilarious outcomes ( Trading Places , of course).
But did you know that around the world even shoes have the
their moment of glory during the holidays?
Yes, those! Not just because we wear them for walks to the markets or to slide on the ice after a hot chocolate. In some cultures, in fact, shoes are at the center of Christmas traditions as strange as they are funny.
Here are some of the more bizarre customs related to footwear and holidays:
1. The Art of Throwing: The Czech Republic and Optimistic Singles
Single Czech women don't just dream of Prince Charming.
To find out if next Christmas will be accompanied by a wedding ring, they throw a shoe over their shoulders, aiming toward the front door.
If the tip is pointing toward the exit, the wedding is in sight! If not? Well, a hot chocolate and a Christmas movie marathon are better.
2. Christmas on Wheels in Venezuela
In Caracas, shoes are too slow for Christmas. Here, people go to mass on roller skates!
Streets are closed to become urban rinks where enthusiastic skaters celebrate the holidays. Forget sleighs: Santa Claus might think about it.
3. Shoes as an alternative fireplace in the Netherlands
If you think fireplaces are the only place to receive presents, think again: in the Netherlands, children leave their shoes by the fireplace, hoping that Sinterklaas will fill them with sweets.
To be on the safe side, a nice pair of new boots might impress Saint Nicholas!
4. The Mexican XXL boot
It seems that in some regions of Mexico Santa Claus leaves presents in a giant boot.
An idea that combines practicality and creativity - It's difficult to lose the gift when the container is as big as a Christmas tree.
5. A “barefoot” Christmas in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Orthodox Christmas is celebrated with games of Yegenna Chewata, a hockey-like game played barefoot.
Humility is a central value in the celebrations but be careful: your feet must be trained!