8 Romantic Christmas Traditions From All Over the World

It's the most wonderful romantic time of the year and diamond retailer Vashi enlisted illustrator Marie Muravski to highlight how different cultures celebrate it. Read on to see which eight tickled us the most, and check out the full list here.

Illustrations by Marie Muravski
United Kingdom
Kissing underneath mistletoe may be practiced all over the world these days, but the tradition actually originated in England during the 18th century.

Illustrations by Marie Muravski
Poland
During dinner on Christmas eve, many Polish families place straw underneath a tablecloth, before taking turns removing a single strand. A green piece is indicative of luck or the possibility of marriage, while yellow means another year will be spent single.

Illustrations by Marie Muravski
Japan
In Japan, Christmas is treated as a holiday for couples, and many people head out to dinner for a romantic date to celebrate. One of the most popular locations is the fast food chain KFC.

Illustrations by Marie Muravski
Czech Republic
Unmarried women in the Czech Republic can predict their romantic future by tossing a shoe over their shoulder. Rumor has it that marriage is imminent for the women whose shoes land pointing towards the front door.

Illustrations by Marie Muravski
Greenland
Married women in Greenland get an extra treat on Christmas Eve, when their husbands traditionally dote on them hand and foot.

Illustrations by Marie Muravski
Austria
Austrians looking for love place a single cherry blossom twig in a glass of water on December 4th. If it blooms before Christmas Eve then a marriage and good luck are said to be right around the corner.

Illustrations by Marie Muravski
Finland
In Finland, molten tin is poured into buckets of cold water every New Year's Day. The shapes that then appear in the water are then used to predict the future. And romantic symbols like hearts and rings may indicate that love is nearby.

Worldwide
Around the world, single people and couples alike ring in the new year with a kiss just as the clock strikes midnight. Though the tradition's source is unknown, it's as ubiquitous to the holiday as champagne, sparkles, and singing Auld Lang Syne.

Next
20 Christmas Fails That Definitely Missed the Mark
From: ELLE Decor US


By Bridget Mallon

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