Traditions are customs or beliefs passed on from generation to generation, customs, and beliefs passed on through family lines mainly. Traditions are highly influenced by culture, region, and religion. These play a significant role in shaping traditions. Hence there are different traditions around the world.
7 Family Traditions from around the world
1. GERMANY
On the evening before a couple’s wedding, in Polterabend, the friends and family travel to the bride’s house and smash up a number of porcelain objects. The couple then cleans up all the shards of smashed items together, teaching them to work together through thick and thin throughout their marriage.
Also, German children receive large paper cones on their first day of school which is filled with school supplies and treats.
2. DENMARK
When it’s somebody’s birthday in Denmark (and several other Scandinavian countries), a flag is flown outside their house so as to show everybody that someone’s birthday is being celebrated. Presents are kept on the bedside so the child sees them the moment they wake up.
3. FRANCE
Almost a hundred years ago in the government of France began awarding mothers with large families, medals as a thank you for helping rebuild the population after so many were lost in World War I. After World War II, the government declared the last Sunday in May to be the Day of Mothers. Today, the traditional gift on this special day for mothers is a cake in the shape of a flower.
4.MEXICO
When a girl in Mexico turns 15, the 15th birthday is celebrated with a quinceañera. This celebration marks a girl coming from her age and she wears a full-length ball gown and carries a matching bouquet. The celebration begins with a mass in church, which is followed by dinner and dancing with friends and family, along with several special traditions.
5.INDIA
In India, it’s not very uncommon to be offered a cup of tea (chai) when visiting someone’s home. It’s also common for generations of families to live together under the same roof, as a joint family, and many children are encouraged to have a strong relationship with their relatives as their own family.
6.BRITAIN
In Britain and several other countries, there is a relatively new tradition of wearing family Christmas pajamas that match. It is even shown in Harry Potter when Harry is also given a matching Weasley sweater to indicate that he too, is a family. Pajamas are a newer substitute for the sweater and just as comfy.
This is also seen in America and other Christmas celebrating countries.
7.JAPAN
In Japanese homes, before taking a meal it is required that you take your shoes off and meals often take place sitting on tatami or straw floors. Japanese people say “itadakimasu” before their meal to show appreciation when the meal is received. Or else, “gochiso sama deshita” is also said after the meal as a thank you.
