What Do South Africans Call Christmas?: Exploring Unique Holiday Traditions in South Africa

Christmas is one of the most popular holidays celebrated all over the world. People love to gather with their loved ones, enjoy a nice dinner, exchange gifts and share their happiness and blessings. Indeed, Christmas has become a symbol of joy, hope, and peace. South Africa is no exception, as they have their own unique way of celebrating this special occasion.

So, what do people in South Africa call Christmas? It's not exactly the same as in other countries. Here, locals refer to it as Kersfees. It may sound different, but it's still the same celebration with the same spirit.

Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like in South Africa? You may think that it's similar to other places, but it's actually quite different. For starters, the weather is different. Instead of snow, locals celebrate Christmas under the blazing sun. This means that they enjoy outdoor activities like barbeques, picnics, and beach parties.

In South Africa, Christmas is not just about the religious significance, but also about unity and diversity. The country is known for its variety of cultures and religions. Therefore, people from different backgrounds come together during Christmas to celebrate with each other. It's a time where differences are put aside, and harmony prevails.

One of the most interesting things about Kersfees is the food. South Africans love to cook traditional dishes during the holiday season. Some of the most popular foods include roasted turkey or chicken, gammon, and mince pies. But, what makes it unique is that they also incorporate some local specialties such as chakalaka, pap, and boerewors.

Did you know that Christmas in South Africa is celebrated on December 25th, just like most countries in the world? However, many people here also celebrate Boxing Day on December 26th, which is observed in commonwealth countries. This is an additional public holiday where people typically do some shopping, watch movies or sports, and just relax with family and friends.

Interestingly, despite the fact that Christmas in South Africa is a Christian holiday, it's still quite popular among non-Christian communities. This shows how inclusive and accepting the country is to different beliefs and customs. In fact, everyone is welcome to join the festivities regardless of their religion or background.

Another unique tradition during Christmas in South Africa is the lighting of candles. Many choose to light candles outside their homes to signify the light of Christ as well as to remember those who have passed away. It's a beautiful way to bring the community together and create a peaceful and solemn environment.

Overall, Kersfees is a special time in South Africa where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate love, happiness and unity. It's a perfect opportunity to explore the country's rich culture and traditions while enjoying the holiday spirit.

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable Christmas experience, then South Africa should definitely be on your list. Come and enjoy the sun, food, music, and most importantly, the warmth of the people. Celebrate Kersfees like a true local and create memories that will last a lifetime.

"What Do People In South Africa Call Christmas" ~ bbaz

The Christmas season is one of the most celebrated holy days worldwide, and in South Africa, it is no different. Christmas is a time for family, gift-giving, decorating and sharing love. In this article, we'll explore what the people of South Africa call Christmas, common traditions practiced and why it's unique in its own way.

The Name of Christmas in South Africa

In South Africa, Christmas is known as Kersfees (pronounced Keres-faze) in Afrikaans, or iKrisimesi in some African dialects like Zulu. Interestingly, based on the country's diverse cultures, people in South Africa may address Christmas in other names such as Sunop - a name given by the African Akan tribe which means festival of the first yam harvest, 'Huvi' in Shangaan language and so on.

Traditional Christmas Meals in South Africa

South Africa's meal delicacies on Christmas day vary from other countries. For example, Westernized countries like the United States are probably spending Thanksgiving with family. In South Africa, there is always there is Meatballs, roasted duck, turkey, beef fillet, gammon, cheesy cauliflower and potatoes, and of course, Ting which is a kind of porridge. All these mouth-watering dishes can make someone forget they were calorie conscious, albeit it's a festival season.

Decorations for Christmas in South Africa

Just like any country, people in South Africa also decorate their homes with Christmas lights, holly, and Christmas trees. The uniqueness in their decorations, however, is that the Christmas tree is often either a real fir or butchers broom that is stuffed to create the look of a tree. Also, you might find small Christmas trees decorated with dried fruit as ornaments.

Traditions Specific to South Africa

While Christmas is a religious holiday, culture, and tradition also play a significant role in shaping how people celebrate it. In South Africa, there are a lot of cultural traditions that make the holiday experience unique. One of these is the use of song, dance, and celebration throughout the month- long celebration. People perform traditional African dances for visitors, family, and friends, making the month-long festivities more fun and unforgettable.

The Burning of the Impi YakaMasoja

Another tradition is The Burning of the Impi YakaMasoja, which is a re-enactment of an ancient battle between two tribes- the Zulu tribe, and the Voortrekkers. This event holds in KwaZulu-Natal every year on the 16th of December. Thousands of Zulu warriors wearing traditional uniforms and holding face shields and weapons perform a musical ceremony that ends at the site of the battle, where the impis (warriors) burn their shields, symbolizing the end of the tension.

The Day of Goodwill

Another unique tradition unique to South Africa is the Day of Goodwill, which falls on the 26th of December every year. It is an official public holiday and lots of people spend time with friends and family on this day. The purpose of this day is to engage in community service, feeding the hungry, and giving back to the less privileged in society.

In Conclusion

Christmas remains one of the most celebrated holidays globally, and South Africa is no exception. Unique names, foods, and traditions have distinguished South Africa's Christmas celebrations from other countries. While some festivities may be exclusive to this country, the joy, love, and Christmas spirit it brings are similar across other cultures. In such a challenging year like 2020 has been for many, Christmas, in South Africa and beyond, could offer a much-needed reason to hope, smile, and celebrate life.

What Do People In South Africa Call Christmas?

Introduction

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and around the world, people of different cultures celebrate Christmas in their unique ways. South Africa is home to a diverse population, including Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans speakers, each with their own traditions and languages. This article will explore how people in South Africa refer to Christmas, the customs they follow and the similarities and differences between these traditions.

The Name of Christmas in South Africa

In South Africa, Christmas is known by several names such as Kersfees, Kersdag or Die Geboorte van Christus. Kersfees being the most popular term and translates directly to “Feast of Christ”.The holiday is marked as a public holiday observed annually on December 25th and celebrated by religious and non-religious individuals alike.

Similarities Between Celebrations in South Africa and The Western World

Despite, South Africa's location on the southern tip of the African continent, particularly in Cape Town, many Christmas customs hold similarities with the Western world such as Christmas trees decorated with lights, tinsel, and ornaments. Families gathering for special meals is also a significant part of the festive season like the traditional turkey and gammon dishes are usually served at Christmas lunch.

South Africa’s Unique Christmas Culture and Traditions

However, South Africans also have unique cultural traditions and celebratory techniques that differentiate Christmas in South Africa.For instance, Carols By Candlelight, a popular Christmas Eve event, where families and friends gather at a park or stadium to sing carols by candlelight. More recently, this tradition has evolved into fundraising concerts hosted in Cape Town, which raises funds for The Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa.There is also a tradition of going to church on Christmas Day, especially for the Christian community members who visit church to commemorate the birth of Christ.

The Table Comparison of The Food Served in South Africa and The Western World

When it comes to traditional Christmas dishes, there are different meals served between the Western world and South Africa which influenced by their respective cultures.

Country	Traditional Christmas Dish
South Africa	Braaivleis (barbecue), gammon with Cumberland sauce, turkey, vleis pastei(pie), pickled fish, and seafood (lobsters or prawns).
Western Countries	Turkey, Ham, Mince Pies, Christmas pudding, mulled wine( eggnog-UK), and Gingerbread.

Family Gatherings

Another difference lies in family gatherings. While some countries may celebrate and have dinner with only immediate family members, here in South Africa, Christmas is a time to unite and have family gatherings with relatives across different cities or provinces.

Gifs Giving and Shopping

The festive season is also marked by gift-giving and shopping trips. Many people save up intending to buy gifts for their loved ones and family members. Retail stores often reduce their prices, particularly on Christmas Eve, hence having significant turnovers of crowds rushing to grab items that are on sale.

Conclusion

In conclusion, South Africa’s Christmas celebrations have similarities to the Western world while still retaining their unique traditions and culture.Whether you call it Kersfees, Kersdag, or Die Geboorte van Christus, Christmas in South Africa is a time of joy, love, and family. The spirit of Christmas helps foster and continue cultural traditions passed down to generations, unifying people from various ethnicity, religions across the country, making it a beautiful melting pot of culture and celebration.

What Do People in South Africa Call Christmas?

The Festive Season in South Africa

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration all over the world. However, each country has its own unique traditions and customs that make this holiday season special to them. In South Africa, Christmas is celebrated during the summer months, which means it's a time for outdoor activities and barbecues, or braais as they are called in South Africa.

The Name of Christmas in South Africa

In South Africa, people refer to Christmas as Kerstfees or Kersfees in Afrikaans, one of the country's official languages. This translates to Christmas festival or holiday. As English is also commonly spoken in the country, people may refer to Christmas simply as Christmas or X-Mas.

The Celebration of Christmas in South Africa

The celebration of Christmas in South Africa is similar to many parts of the world. Houses are decorated with Christmas lights, and Christmas trees are put up with colourful decorations and tinsel. Traditional Christmas dishes are prepared, like roast beef or lamb, and mince pies for dessert. People exchange gifts with one another, and families gather together to enjoy the festivities.

Christmas Events in South Africa

South Africa has its own unique take on celebrating Christmas. One popular event during the festive season is the Cape Town Festival of Lights. This festival sees the city of Cape Town transformed into a spectacular display of lights and colours. There are also Christmas markets that are held throughout the country, where people can purchase handmade crafts, gifts, and festive treats.

The Importance of Family During Christmas

In South Africa, family is an integral part of the Christmas season. Many people take time off work to spend time with their loved ones. It's a time for reconnecting and spending quality time together. Some families even travel long distances to spend Christmas with relatives who live in other parts of the country.

Charity Work During Christmas

A significant aspect of Christmas in South Africa is charity work. With a high level of poverty in the country, many people take the opportunity to give back during the festive season. There are numerous charity organisations that help to provide food, clothing, and gifts to disadvantaged communities. People also donate money or goods to these organisations to help those in need.

Religious Customs

South Africa is a country with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. While Christmas is a Christian festival, it is celebrated by people of all faiths. The religious customs associated with the holiday vary depending on the individual's beliefs. For Christians, it's a time for attending church services, and some churches hold special Christmas services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The Heritage of KwaZulu Natal

In the province of KwaZulu Natal, there is a traditional celebration called Umkhosi woMhlanga. This is a reed dance ceremony that takes place during the Christmas season. The ceremony is a cultural practice that honours young women who have remained virgins. The women come together to dance and sing, and it's considered a significant part of the province's heritage.

In Conclusion

Christmas in South Africa is a unique experience that combines cultural traditions, religion, and family time. The festive season is a time for joy, charity, and unity. Whether it's attending church services, participating in cultural festivities, or spending time with loved ones, there are many ways to celebrate Christmas in South Africa.

What Do People in South Africa Call Christmas?

Christmas is one of the biggest and most celebrated Christian holidays around the world. It is a time for joy, gift-giving, and spending time with loved ones. While traditions and celebrations differ from country to country, people in South Africa have their unique way of celebrating this special day. This article aims to shed light on what people in South Africa call Christmas.

Before we dive into the specifics, it is essential to understand the background of Christmas in South Africa. Being a multicultural country, the holiday season is a time for everyone to come together and celebrate regardless of one's religion. Most of the population in South Africa identifies as Christians, with 7% of the population following other religions, including Islam and Hinduism.

A few weeks before Christmas, the whole country transforms into one big festive mood. Streets are decorated with colorful lights, and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere you go. Shopping centers become full of shoppers looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones. People put up Christmas trees inside their homes and adorn them with ornaments and lights.

On Christmas Eve, families gather together to enjoy a big dinner. Traditional South African Christmas meals vary from region to region, but one thing that remains constant is the braai. Braai is a South African cooking style similar to barbeque. Families grill beef, chicken, lamb, or fish outdoors while enjoying the warm evening breeze.

On Christmas day, children wake up early to check if Santa Claus left gifts under the Christmas tree. In South Africa, Santa Claus is also called Father Christmas or Sinterklaas. Children usually receive small presents, and families spend the day together eating Christmas leftovers and playing games.

The celebrations continue until Boxing Day, a public holiday that takes place on December 26th. This day is significant in South Africa as it is the start of a 3-day cricket test match series. The game is a chance for families and friends to get together, relax and enjoy the cricket match while feasting on more leftovers.

One of the most important aspects of Christmas in South Africa is giving back to the less fortunate. Many people make an effort to donate food, clothes, and gifts to those in need. Numerous churches, charities, and organizations come together to host Christmas parties for underprivileged communities. It's heart-warming to see people coming together to spread love and kindness during the holiday season.

In conclusion, people in South Africa call Christmas by the same name, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. It's a time for everyone to come together, enjoy delicious food, and cherish precious moments with family and friends. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Christmas in South Africa, remember that it's a season for spreading love, joy, and peace to all.

We hope this article has given you insight into what people in South Africa call Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

What Do People In South Africa Call Christmas?

1. Is Christmas celebrated in South Africa?

Yes, Christmas is widely celebrated in South Africa, despite it taking place during the summer season.

2. What do people in South Africa call Christmas?

In South Africa, Christmas is commonly referred to as Kersfees in Afrikaans or iKisimusi in Zulu and Xhosa.

3. How is Christmas celebrated in South Africa?

Just like in other parts of the world, South Africans celebrate Christmas by spending time with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals. Some unique South African Christmas traditions include:

• Braai (barbecue) instead of a traditional Christmas turkey dinner
• Singing Christmas carols in different languages
• Attending Christmas church services that incorporate African cultural practices and music
• Decorating homes and streets with lights, tinsel, and Christmas trees
• Participating in community food drives and charity events to help those in need

4. What is Boxing Day in South Africa?

Boxing Day, which falls on December 26th, is also a public holiday in South Africa. It originated in Britain and was traditionally the day when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts from their employers. Today, many South Africans use Boxing Day as a day to relax, have a braai, and enjoy outdoor activities.