Overview of Popular European Traditions
- Germany – Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest, as a tradition, began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage on 12th October of Crown Prince Ludwig the Bavarian Crown Prince.
- France – Bastille Day. ...
- Spain – Flamenco. ...
- Italy – Carnival. ...
- Sweden – Crayfish Party. ...
- United Kingdom – Bonfire Night. ...
- Iceland – Cream Bun Day. ...
- Poland – Wet Monday. ...
- Final Thought. ...
Full Answer
What are European traditions?
So, our definition of the European traditions discussed in this article is that they are popular traditions from European Countries. Germany – Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest, as a tradition, began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage on 12th October of Crown Prince Ludwig the Bavarian Crown Prince.
What are some examples of traditional foods in Europe?
In Belgium, for example, people have an apéritif, consisting of a drink with some small snacks, followed by a starter course, and by stuffed turkey, game or chicken. The French enjoy roast turkey or goose, foie gras, lots of cheese, and sometimes oysters and lobster.
Which countries celebrate Christmas on the same date in Europe?
There are also countries which celebrate Christmas on both dates, such as Belarus, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. And if we can’t even decide on the same date, you can start to imagine how different Christmas customs and traditions in Europe really are! What are advent calendars like in Europe?
Why do they put nuts on Christmas trees in Europe?
And in Finland and Norway, it’s part of the local Christmas customs for people (especially farmers) leave wheat and nuts on tree branches for the birds to eat. Special thanks for helping with information for the creation of this article on Christmas customs and traditions in Europe go to:
What is Europe culture known for?
The culture of Europe is rooted in its art, architecture, film, different types of music, economics, literature, and philosophy. European culture is largely rooted in what is often referred to as its "common cultural heritage".
What is the best culture in Europe?
Here we listed and reviewed the 10 most culturally rich countries in Europe, so keep reading and enjoy.Belgium. There are many reasons Belgium is number one on the Good Country's list. ... Netherlands. ... Switzerland. ... Estonia. ... Sweden. ... Denmark. ... Austria. ... Malta.More items...•
What are 3 types of traditions?
Three Types of Traditions Every Family Should HaveDaily Connection Traditions. Daily Connection Traditions are the small things you do every day to re-enforce family identity and values. ... Weekly Connection Traditions. Similar to the Daily Connection Tradition, but done weekly. ... Life Changes Traditions.
What are some famous traditions?
Sunday Family Dinners. While it may seem outdated to some, many traditional American families enjoy regular Sunday family dinners with extended family members. ... Baby Showers. ... Opening Gifts In Front of the Giver. ... Hugging or Shaking Hands. ... Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties. ... Wearing Shoes In the House. ... The 4th of July. ... Thanksgiving.More items...
What is the main culture in Europe?
The majority of primary culture groups in Europe have a single dominant religion, although the English, German, Swiss, Hungarian, and Netherlandic groups are noteworthy for the coexistence of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.
Which country is famous for traditions?
#WorldHeritageDay: 6 Countries That Have The Richest Traditions And Cultural HeritagesTop 5 best countriesHeritage rankingSwitzerland27Japan10Canada42Germany201 more row•Apr 18, 2019
What are 5 examples of tradition?
20 family tradition examplesSwim on the first day of spring. ... Make homemade gifts for Christmas, Hanukkah (or birthdays) ... Go hiking in the same place or at the same time. ... Have a movie night. ... Visit the same restaurant. ... Do a family digital detox. ... Take up a new activity as a family. ... Start a gratitude jar.More items...•
What are 10 different cultures?
The top 10 traditional cultures in the worldCULTURE, PERU. Matsés people. ... CULTURE, TOGO. Batammariba. ... CULTURE, INDONESIA. The Wano tribe. ... CULTURE, ECUADOR. Huaorani people. ... CULTURE, NAMIBIA. Namibian bushmen. ... CULTURE, LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA. Tuareg people. ... CULTURE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA. Papuan Tribes. ... CULTURE, BOTSWANA. San People.More items...•
What are the cultural traditions?
Cultural traditions include events, rituals and customs that a society shares.
What are traditions in Spain?
Best known among Spain's folkloristic traditions are certainly Flamenco and bullfights. You will find bullfights indeed throughout the country, the most popular event perhaps being the "Running of Bulls" during the Sanfermines in Pamplona. But bullfights are part and parcel of any Fiesta.
What are some traditions in France?
Traditional French Holidays and FestivalsLabour Day on May 1.World War II Victory Day on May 8.Feast of the Ascension, held 40 days after Easter, typically a Thursday in May.All Saints Day (La Toussaint) on November 1, when graves are adorned with wreaths or potted chrysanthemums.Armistice Day on November 11.
What are some German traditions?
Authentic German TraditionsSchultüte on the first day of school. The Schultüte is a traditional German gift that was established during the 19th century. ... Fireworks on New Year's Eve. ... Watching “Dinner For One' on New Year's Eve. ... Reinfeiern. ... Karneval. ... Tanz in den Mai. ... Tanzverbot. ... Tatort.
Which country has best traditional culture in world?
These countries have shaped history with their culture....Spain. #1 in Heritage. ... Italy. #2 in Heritage. ... Greece. #3 in Heritage. ... France. #4 in Heritage. ... Mexico. #5 in Heritage. ... India. #6 in Heritage. ... Thailand. #7 in Heritage. ... Egypt.More items...
Which country in Europe practices beauty the most?
If one were to create a rating of the most attractive girls in Europe country by country, Ukraine and Russia will take the first two places, Poland following real close.
What is the most religious country in Europe?
RomaniaThe most religious countries are Romania (1% non-believers) and Malta (2% non-believers). Across the EU, belief is more common with older age and is higher amongst women, those with only basic education, and those "positioning themselves on the right of the political scale (57%)".
Why do European cultures dominate?
Europe achieved world hegemony in the years after 1500 A.D., primarily due to technological advancements, scientific research, political development of nations with stable succession and continuity, and a culture dominated by Christianity.
Where is the hopping procession in Germany?
Every year in the village of Echternach, Luxembourg, which is near the border of Germany are seen hopping in a procession while holding a handkerchief. You will see up to 1400 adults and children, formed up in a parade, hopping around the streets wearing white shirts, and dark trousers, or skirts. Somehow this venerates the local saint, St Willibrord.
What is the significance of the New Year in Scotland?
Burns was arrived in this world on January 25th in 1759 and is seen by the Scots as having made a significant impact on Scottish culture.’ One of his poems, “Auld Lang Syne” plays an essential role in New Year’s celebrations all over the world .
Is the Danube good for swimming?
If you have ever seen the Danube, you will realize what a vast and unappealing tract of water it is. Yes, it’s great for cruising, but as for swimming, it’s cold and murky.
Where did the pottery tradition originate?
Throwing pottery out of windows, Corfu , Greece. According to this popular belief, it originated with Venetians who ruled Corfu from the 14th until the 18th century — D_Zheleva / Shutterstock. During this tradition, large jugs with water are thrown from balconies onto the ground in the town’s center. Every time it attracts a large crowd of people ...
What country has the Easter whip?
Easter whip, Czech Republic & Slovakia. After whipping, the woman gives the men specially decorated Easter eggs — Shutterstock. Only on one day of the year, Easter Monday, it is allowed for the male population of these two Central European countries to walk around town and whip girls and women for luck and fertility.
How many bears are in the procession?
Usually, the procession comprises anywhere between six and 24 bears, bear tamers and characters dressed as women.
What do boys do in the Easter egg?
Boys braid a special whip mostly from willow branches and decorate it with ribbons. Then they go from house to house and sing a spring-themed song and take a few whacks at the woman’s bottom. Afterward, the woman gives them specially decorated Easter eggs and usually strong liquor, such as slivovitz, is involved, too.
What does winter symbolize?
The annual winter event symbolizes death and rebirth of time, and it should also ward off the evil spirits. It takes place between Christmas and New Year and despite perhaps being a little controversial, it attracts the whole community.
Why do people throw out their old stuff?
They would, supposedly, throw out their old belongings at the start of the new year to make room for new belongings in the new year. When the Greeks adopted the tradition, they moved it to Easter, one of the most important celebrations in the Greek calendar, and introduced pottery into it.
What do knights on horses use to hit iron?
Knights on horses at full gallop use their lances to hit an iron target of two rings. However, the event has its restrictions: only men born in the region of Sinj can participate in the event. It was established at the beginning of the 18th century after the victory of the Sinj knights over an army of Turkish.
What is the tradition of throwing pottery out of windows?
Every Easter Saturday, at 11am precisely, the locals start throwing pottery out of their windows to smash onto the street below. It apparently stems from a New Year's Eve tradition of clearing the house for the New Year. (TOP INSIDER TIP- fill the pottery with water first for an extra big ‘smash'!
Does Spain have a food fight?
Oh yes- Spain knows how to food fight. Every year, Buñol, near Valencia, hosts a tomato throwing festival. Yep, people literally pay to throw tomatoes at each other. If you're motorhoming in Spain, make sure you park far far far away.
What are Christmas feasts like in Europe?
However, they compensate with a richer dinner on Christmas Day, where they enjoy drinking red wine and feast on roast pork, turkey, goose, or duck. As a side dish, they may have boiled or baked potatoes, red cabbage, beetroot, and maybe some cranberry jam or sauce according to local Christmas customs and traditions.
When is Christmas celebrated in Europe?
Believe it or not, we don’t all celebrate Christmas on the same date in Europe. For most of us, Christmas is on 25 December, according to the Gregorian Calendar, used by Catholic Churches and some Orthodox Churches.
What are advent calendars like in Europe?
However, many families who live in Austria, Belgium, and Denmark prefer the beautiful Advent Wreaths. These are made from evergreen twigs, decorated with ribbons or other Christmas ornaments, and four candles. Every Sunday in Advent, a candle gets lit, and the family members sing some carols for the occasion.
What do the Swedes do for Christmas?
The Swedes take extra care of their Christmas trees and place goats made out of straws to protect them. And people in Iceland use their national flag as a decoration, making national pride part of their Christmas customs and traditions.
How many dishes does the host prepare for Christmas?
Therefore, the host prepares 12 dishes. Usually, these dishes don’t contain any meat, eggs, or dairy. On a sweeter note, people living in France and Monaco prepare 13 desserts for Jesus and his 12 Apostles to respect old Christmas customs and traditions. Christmas customs and traditions in Europe: the Christmas table.
What do we decorate our Christmas tree with?
Most of us have an evergreen tree, which we decorate with electric candles and/or garlands, shiny and/or sparkly globes, ornaments of various shapes, and a star on top. If the family has kids, you’ll also see sweets in the tree, as a treat for the small ones (and not only!). Although this is part of the widespread Christmas customs and traditions, the tree is not always the same.
Why do people leave everything on the table after Christmas?
After the Christmas feast, they leave everything on the table, in case the spirits of the departed get hungry during the night.
What are the elements of European culture?
There were a great number of perspectives which can be taken on the subject, it is impossible to form a single, all-embracing conception of European culture. Nonetheless, there are core elements which are generally agreed upon as forming the cultural foundation of modern Europe. One list of these elements given by K. Bochmann includes: 1 A common cultural and spiritual heritage derived from Greco-Roman antiquity, Christianity, Judaism, the Renaissance, and its Humanism, the political thinking of the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution, and the developments of Modernity, including all types of socialism; 2 A rich and dynamic material culture that has been extended to the other continents as the result of industrialization and colonialism during the " Great Divergence "; 3 A specific conception of the individual expressed by the existence of, and respect for, a legality that guarantees human rights and the liberty of the individual; 4 A plurality of states with different political orders, which are feeding each other with new ideas; 5 Respect for peoples, states, and nations outside Europe.
What is the oldest art in Europe?
Surviving European prehistoric art mainly comprises sculpture and rock art. It includes the oldest known representation of the human body, the Venus of Hohle Fel , dating from 40,000 to 35,000 BC, found in Schelklingen, Germany, and the Löwenmensch figurine, from about 30,000 BC, the oldest undisputed piece of figurative art. The Swimming Reindeer of about 11,000 BCE is among the finest Magdalenian carvings in bone or antler of animals in the art of the Upper Paleolithic. At the beginning of the Mesolithic in Europe, the figurative sculpture was greatly reduced, and remained a less common element in art than relief decoration of practical objects until the Roman period, despite some works such as the Gundestrup cauldron from the European Iron Age and the Bronze Age Trundholm sun chariot. The oldest European cave art dates back to 40,800 and can be found in the El Castillo Cave in Spain, but cave art exists across the continent. Rock painting was also performed on cliff faces, but fewer of those paintings have survived because of erosion. One well-known example is the rock paintings of Astuvansalmi in the Saimaa area of Finland.
What is Medieval art?
Medieval art. Mosaic of Emperor Justinian and his court, from the church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy. An example of Byzantine art. Medieval art can be broadly categorized into the Byzantine art of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the Gothic art that emerged in Western Europe over the same period.
What is the Celtic art?
Prehistoric Celtic art is another distinct grouping from much of Iron Age Europe and survives mainly in the form of high-status metalwork skillfully decorated with complex, elegant, and mostly abstract designs, often using curving and spiral forms.
What is Western culture?
In this definition, Western culture is the set of literary, scientific, political, artistic, and philosophical principles which set it apart from other civilizations. Much of this set of traditions and knowledge is collected in the Western canon.
Where did the Palladian style originate?
The style was carried to France, Germany, England, Russia, and other parts of Europe at different dates and with varying degrees of impact. Palladian architecture was derived from and inspired by the designs of the Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio (1508–1580).
When did Romanesque art start?
Romanesque art and Gothic art dominated Western and Central Europe from approximately 1000 AD to the rise of the Renaissance style in the 15th century or later, depending on the region. The Romanesque style was greatly influenced by Byzantine and Insular art.
What is the most famous tradition in France?
On Thursday before that holiday, all the church bells in France are silenced for three days. The legend says they fly to Rome , where the Pope has to bless them. After the blessing, they begin their journey back to France. However, on their way back, the bells bring some eggs with them and hide them in the gardens of houses in France.
Where do Easter traditions take place?
Easter traditions in Europe are as diverse as the countries on the Old Continent themselves. From an egg hunt in England, decorating Easter trees in Germany, Austria or the Netherlands, colouring eggs in central and eastern Europe to numerous religious processions in Spain or Italy. They represent all the treasure of European culture in such a lovely way.
What is Easter like in Italy?
Similar as in Spain, Easter in Italy is marked by masses and numerous religious processions. Churches often have special statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary that are paraded around the city. People participating in those processions are carrying palm and olive branches and are dressed in traditional costumes.
What is the custom of Easter in Croatia?
Many Easter customs in Croatia are similar to those in central and eastern Europe. Special ceremonies are organised in churches from Thursday to Easter Sunday. On Easter morning, people bring their food to be blessed in churches.
What is the most popular Easter tradition in Austria?
Famous for its Christmas markets, it comes with no surprise one of the most popular Easter traditions in Austria are Easter markets. They open some two and a half weeks before that holiday. Mostly, decorated eggs for the Easter tree ( Osterbaum) are sold on them.
Where does Easter come from?
Some of the most unusual Easter traditions in Europe come from Spain. They are more religious than the ones in the north of the continent. During the whole Easter week, numerous religious processions are organised in Spain, especially in cities like Seville and Granada.
Germany – Oktoberfest.
France – Bastille Day.
- Bastille Day is a celebration of the storming of the Bastille, prison, and fortress, on 14th July 1789. It has now become a celebration of French culture with many showpiece outdoor performances, fireworks, military parades, parties, and communal meals. The main events are in Paris, but it is celebrated right across France.
Spain – Flamenco.
- Not an event like most of the other entries in this article, more a cultural tradition. Flamenco is an important cultural icon for Spanish people. It is comprised of three parts, (1) Guitarra (Guitar), (2) Cante (Song), and (3) Baile (Dance). It started in the southern parts of Spain, where it did not have any musical instruments. As Flamenco spread the guitar and other instruments have been added.
Italy – Carnival.
- The origins of Carnival is goodbye to meat. It takes place just before Lent, and like other European countries that have their own celebrations associated with Lent, it is an excuse for excess. The celebration takes place throughout Italy, but one city is famed for its celebrations above all others. Venice is the capital of Carnival. Carnival takes place in Venice in February, just before Shrove T…
United Kingdom – Bonfire night.
- The British tradition of “Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night” actually commemorates a failed attempt to blow up the King and parliament. A Catholic named Guy Fawkes was a conspirator to blow up the Protestant government, but failed miserably, meeting a rather nasty end. This conspiracy is celebrated by children building an effigy of Guy Fawkes and collecting money fro…
Iceland – Cream Bun Day.
- Cream bun day (or Bolludagur) it’s celebrated every year in Iceland. It is the first of three days of excess. The tradition started in Denmark and Norway, and Iceland shaped it into its current form. How it works is that children create a short stick made from rolled colorful paper and spank their parents and other grown-ups with these sticks. As they do this, they shout, “bolla, bolla, bolla (bu…
Poland – Wet Monday.
- Were you aware that Poland has a special day for soaking girls with water? The festival, called, Smigus Dyngus takes place on a Monday, and then the girls get their chance for some revenge on Tuesday. This festival went back a few centuries and started with boys sneaking into girls bedrooms and then throwing a bucket of water over them. After that more spanking, this time in …
Final Thought.
- In this overview of popular European traditions, you can see the various European countries have a wide variety of unusual and popular customs. These are just a few from a selection of countries, but if you investigate, you will find that most countries have their own unique traditions. Also read the article: What Is European Culture?
Portugal.
United Kingdom.
Luxembourg.
Scotland.
Spain.
Czech Republic.
Romania.
Germany.
Austria.
Lithuania.
- The final entry in our Top 10 unusual traditions and customs in Europe comes from Lithuania in the form of Siaudu Sodas (Straw village). Just before winter sets in, the people in the village of Naujamiestis will build a straw village for no other reason than to burn it down. The village uses 8 tons of straw and 10 kilometers of rope in its construc...
European Traditions and Customs
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