Ghosts & Pooping Logs: Unique Christmas Traditions Across the Globe

Mari Lwyd: Wales’ ghostly Christmas visitor

The Mari Lwyd, a unique Welsh Christmas tradition, features a ghostly figure created from a horse’s skull mounted on a pole, draped with a white sheet, and adorned with festive decorations. This eerie character is accompanied by a group of singers who visit homes during the Christmas and New Year seasons. At each stop, the group engages in a lively verbal duel known as pwnco with the residents, exchanging rhyming verses. If the Mari Lwyd party wins, they are invited inside for food and drink, bringing good luck to the household.

Believed to have pre-Christian origins, the Mari Lwyd may stem from ancient Celtic midwinter rituals. Horses were revered as symbols of power and fertility in Celtic Britain, and white or grey horses often carried supernatural associations. Some scholars suggest a connection between the Mari Lwyd and the horse goddess Epona, revered in Celtic and Gallo-Roman mythology, or Rhiannon, a prominent figure in Welsh mythology associated with horses. The Mari Lwyd possibly represents a bridge between the living and the spiritual world, embodying themes of renewal and rebirth during the darkest time of the year. Over time, this tradition was incorporated into Christmas celebrations as a way of blending older pagan practices with Christian festivities. The eerie yet festive figure of the Mari Lwyd remains a captivating symbol of Welsh heritage, bridging ancient customs with modern holiday cheer.

Krampus Night: Austria’s dark Christmas tradition

In Austria, the festive season takes a spooky turn on December 5th with Krampus Night, or Krampusnacht. This eerie tradition centers around Krampus, a horned, devilish creature who serves as a counterpart to the benevolent Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts and treats, Krampus is tasked with punishing those who have been naughty. Dressed in elaborate costumes featuring masks, furs, and chains, individuals portray Krampus and roam the streets, often scaring children and adults alike. The tradition involves parades, known as Krampusläufe, where these fearsome figures perform and interact with the crowd, blending fright and festivity.

The origins of Krampus are thought to date back to pre-Christian Alpine traditions, where he was believed to embody the darker, chaotic forces of winter and may have been associated with pagan deities or spirits linked to fertility and the wild. Over time, the Catholic Church integrated Krampus into Saint Nicholas festivities, creating a balance between reward and punishment. The frightening figure serves as a reminder to children to behave, adding an intriguing, theatrical edge to the Christmas season. Today, Krampus Night remains a cherished, albeit chilling, tradition in Austria and neighboring regions, celebrated with dramatic parades, costumes, and community gatherings that keep this folkloric figure alive.

Gävle Goat: Sweden’s fiery Christmas tradition

The Gävle Goat (Gävlebocken) is a towering Yule Goat constructed annually in the town of Gävle, Sweden, since 1966. This giant straw figure, standing about 13 meters (43 feet) tall and weighing several tons, is built to celebrate the traditional Scandinavian Christmas symbol of the Yule Goat, which historically brought gifts during the festive season. The goat is prominently displayed in Gävle’s Castle Square, drawing visitors from across Sweden and beyond. However, the Gävle Goat has also become infamous for attracting vandals, with many instances of it being burned down, vandalized, or even run over.

The origins of the Yule Goat tradition may be traced back to pre-Christian Norse mythology, where it was associated with Thor, the Norse god of thunder, whose chariot was pulled by two goats, Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr. The goat later became part of Scandinavian Christmas folklore, symbolizing fertility, protection, and festivity. Over time, the straw goat evolved into a decorative symbol, and in Gävle, it took the form of the grand Gävle Goat. Despite heightened security measures, including fireproofing, cameras, and guards, arsonists often see the goat as a tempting challenge. This duality—celebration and destruction—has made the Gävle Goat both a beloved Christmas symbol and a source of local intrigue and international attention.

Night of the Radishes: Mexico’s whimsical Christmas tradition

The Night of the Radishes (Noche de Rábanos) is a vibrant annual festival held on December 23rd in Oaxaca, Mexico. This unique event transforms the humble radish into a canvas for intricate art, with local artisans carving the vegetables into elaborate scenes. The festival features sculptures of mythical creatures, biblical scenes such as the Virgin of Guadalupe, and nativity displays. Radishes are also carved into depictions of Oaxacan life, showcasing the mole and cacao-making process, local handicrafts, and iconic festivals like Dia de los Muertos and Guelaguetza. Truly, the creations are only limited by the artists’ imagination, making each year’s festival a unique spectacle.

According to legend, the tradition began with an overabundant radish crop in Oaxaca. Some radishes were left unharvested and forgotten in the fields, and when dug up months later, they had grown to enormous sizes, resembling various figures. Farmers brought these giant radishes to the Christmas Eve Market, carving them into intricate designs to attract customers to their stalls. The carved radishes were a hit, and in 1897, the mayor proposed an annual radish festival with prizes for the best creations. Today, the Night of the Radishes is a cherished event that celebrates Oaxaca’s agricultural heritage, artistic ingenuity, and communal spirit, drawing thousands of visitors to witness the whimsical, larger-than-life radish art.

La Quema del Diablo: Guatemala’s fiery purge of evil

In Guatemala, the holiday season begins with La Quema del Diablo, or “The Burning of the Devil,” celebrated annually on December 7th. This vibrant tradition brings communities together to ignite effigies of the devil, symbolizing the purging of evil and misfortune to usher in a pure and blessed Christmas season. Accompanied by fireworks, music, and festive gatherings, the ritual provides participants with a cathartic way to cleanse their homes and spirits while fostering a sense of community. The practice dates back to colonial times, when households prepared for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th by cleaning their homes and burning accumulated trash to symbolize the removal of impurities. Over time, this evolved into the burning of devil effigies, representing the triumph of good over evil and the spiritual and physical renewal associated with the holiday.

Rooted in ancient customs, the act of lighting fires and burning effigies carries universal symbolism tied to cycles of life, death, and renewal. Indigenous Mesoamerican practices often used fire in rituals to cleanse and ward off evil spirits, and these traditions were later adapted into Catholic celebrations. The timing of La Quema del Diablo, aligning with the Virgin Mary’s feast day, reinforces themes of purification and preparation for the Christmas season. Today, this dynamic fusion of indigenous beliefs and Spanish influences remains a cherished cultural event, celebrating Guatemala’s rich heritage while creating a festive and meaningful prelude to Christmas.

Caga Tió: Catalonia’s pooping log tradition

In Catalonia, Spain, the holiday season is brought to life with the charming and quirky tradition of Caga Tió, or “The Pooping Log.” This festive custom involves a hollow log, decorated with a painted face and topped with a red Catalan hat, that children “feed” daily with small treats like nuts and fruit. The log is also kept warm with a blanket to ensure it is ready for its big moment on Christmas Eve. That evening, children gather around the log and sing traditional songs while beating it with sticks, encouraging it to “poop” out presents and sweets hidden under its blanket. This playful ritual, steeped in Catalan folklore, is a highlight of the region’s Christmas celebrations.

The origins of Caga Tió are believed to lie in ancient agricultural and fertility rites, where wood was symbolically connected to abundance and warmth during the winter solstice. Over time, these pagan traditions were adapted into the Christian framework, with the log embodying themes of generosity and giving during the Christmas season. Today, Caga Tió reflects Catalonia’s unique cultural identity, blending humor and tradition to create a joyful and communal holiday experience. The practice is celebrated in homes across the region, offering children a whimsical connection to their heritage while embodying the festive spirit of the season.

Whether it’s a horse’s skull singing rhymes, a devil-burning bonfire, or a log that “poops” presents, these traditions remind us that Christmas isn’t just about tinsel and trees; it’s about community, creativity, and carrying forward the quirks of our ancestors. As you deck your halls this season, maybe take a moment to imagine a ghostly Mari Lwyd or a Krampus parade marching through your living room—it’s a reminder that the holidays truly bring out the fascinatingly festive side of humanity.