It is that time of year again and all around the world, kids (and adults) are having their Christmas holidays. Some are travelling far and wide; others are staying right here on our beautiful island. No matter where you are, it is fun and all about Christmas.
In Africa, it is hot like here in the Caribbean. On Christmas Day, carols are sung from Ghana in the north of the continent on down to South Africa that is, you guessed it, right down in the south of the continent. Meats are roasted, gifts are exchanged and family visits are made. Kwanza is not celebrated in Africa, as it's an African-American holiday. Africans are very spiritual people. Going to church is generally the main focus of Christmas celebrations in Africa.
Unless you're in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, there's little chance of anyone enjoying a white Christmas in Africa. North of the Equator sees winter weather; and countries like America and all through Europe and Asia may see snow and have a white Christmas.
In Africa, those who can afford to will give gifts at Christmastime, but the holiday is not nearly as commercial as it is in Europe or the Americas. The emphasis is more on the religious aspect of celebrating the birth of Jesus and singing in church than it is on gift giving. The most common thing bought at Christmas is a new set of clothes to be worn to the church service. Many Africans are too poor to be able to afford presents for their kids and there aren't too many toy stores in rural Africa to shop at anyway. If gifts are exchanged in poorer communities, they usually come in the form of school books, soap, cloth, candles and other practical goods.
In Ghana, Christmas dinner is not complete without fufu and okra soup; in Liberia, rice, beef and biscuits are the order of the day; in Zimbabwe, the people make sure there are plenty of bread, jam and tea to eat along with their goat meat. In Malawi, groups of young children go door to door to perform dances and Christmas songs dressed in skirts made of leaves and using homemade instruments. They receive a small gift of money in return.
In many countries, the processions after the Christmas Eve church service are a joyous occasion of music and dance. In Gambia, people parade with big lanterns called fanals in the shape of boats or houses. Nativity scenes are played out, carols are sung and, in some cases, dances are performed.
Every country has its own unique celebrations no matter how small its Christian population.
This is the way they say "Happy Christmas" in the following places:
Zimbabwe - Merry Kisimusi
Afrikaans (South Africa) - Geseënde Kersfees
Zulu (South Africa) - Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle
Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) - Kuwa na Krismasi njema
Egyptian (Egypt) - Colo sana wintom tiebeen
Why don't you write to the Kids Herald and tell us how you spent this Christmas? Send your story to sxmsedailyherald.com and you may see it printed. Don't forget to add your name to the story.
