Christmas, Riddles and Food
Hannah
Learn about different typical christmas dishes from all over the world and solve our christmas riddle!
So, Christmas season started! Are you celebrating it? First of all, Christmas is a Christian festivity, it kinda lies in the name. Therefore, not everyone takes an interest in it. And I am sure there is a good amount of people celebrating Christmas, not because of Christianity but because of the cultural tradition. Over time Christmas has gotten a second meaning as a celebration of love, and family. This is the reason I won’t talk too much about the Christianity behind Christmas but rather show what the celebration looks like around the world.
Especially in (middle) Europe, where our THE FIZZ houses are located, FIZZmas time – how we call it – is associated with candles, shiny decorations and so many treats. Sitting with a hot mug inside while snowflakes (hopefully!) are covering the windowsill, is the definition of cosiness. No matter why or if you are celebrating that holiday! Oh, and receiving and gifting presents is not bad after all 😉 But there are not just the special treats that you get to enjoy exactly once a year, there are whole Christmas dishes! And they really differ a lot from region to region!
Mexico – Ponche Navideño
As part of the Christmas season people in Mexico celebrate “Las Posadas”. A celebration referencing the Nativity story and Marias’ pregnancy. But for us, something called “Ponche Navideño” is more important at the moment. Ponche Navideño can be translated to Christmas punch, and I have to admit, as a European, reading the recipe was rather interesting. I’ve learned about fruits I did not know existed! Ideally, the punch has enough time to soak before serving it. It’s the fruits that give the punch its taste over time. Therefore, it is important to serve every drink with a reasonable number of chunks in it. In addition, fresh sugar cane is used as a delicious decoration. Since Christmas time is coming up, I think I need to find a Mexican supermarket to get Tejocotes, tamarind pods and guavas because I really want to try out these ingredients!
Denmark – Julefrokost
From Mexico to Denmark. The winter months there are a lot colder and the Danish people brighten the dark December with many Christmas traditions, some quite old and some a bit more modern but all of them very cosy and often related to the Danish “hygge”. Of course, food plays an important role here! From fried biscuits to the Danish punch “Gløgg”. But most important are the Christmas dinner and the “Julefrokost”. Julefrokost is traditionally the Christmas lunch but it can take place on several other days before Christmas Eve. Not just friends and families but also workspaces often organise a Julfrokost to celebrate. The menu is flexible but of course, there are some all-time favourites, roasted pork or caramelized potatoes for example or red cabbage and a rice pudding dessert called “Risalamande”. I have to admit, my coffee and the cereals for breakfast feel a bit boring right now…
Christmas Riddle
1. It does not just go with Christmas but with Hobbits too! _ _ _ _ _
2. Oops, letter chaos… nontertialain?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Note: Read all four advent articles to solve the password for a nice christmas present!
Poland – Wieczerza Wigilijna
Let’s stay in Europe and take a look at Poland. Christmas Day in Poland is traditionally a day of fasting that ends with the first stars in the sky. Then the “Wieczerza Wigilijna” starts. If you are waiting all day for this meal it must be something special and no worries, it is! The Polish Christmas dinner includes 12 dishes, that are supposed to bring luck for all 12 upcoming months of the next year. With so many courses the Polish Christmas dinner takes some time and this is time dedicated to family and friends. (I really fell in love with some of the Polish Christmas traditions because they are so heartwarming, but this is a topic for another Advent :)) Although there is no meat included in the Wieczerza Wigilijna you can find plenty of fish. The most popular is Carp, no matter if fried, baked or with aspic. Another famous Christmas dish in Poland is “pierogi”. These are little dumplings that can come with so many fillings! Sweet with dried plum or savoury with potatoes, cheese and fried onions. The possibilities are endless and these are just popular options for Christmas dinner.
Philippines – Filipino Bibingka
Now we’re jumping across the planet to the Philippines. In contrast to Denmark’s and Poland’s Christmas dinners, Filipino Bibingka is a breakfast dish, traditionally enjoyed after visiting the church in the morning. (And if I say morning, I mean very early morning… around 4 am.) But Bibingka makes up for this time to get out of bed. It is a rice cake that is baked in clay pots, lined with banana leaves. Usually, it is topped with grated coconut, but a Filipino province had different ideas. Rooting in Pampanga serving Bibingka with cheese is a growing trend!
Now, I really feel like I have to visit a couple of countries during the Christmas season, just to try their food! But there are many great recipes online too, that’s a bit easier… maybe you are motivated too? Or just hungry? In that case try to convince your fellow FIZZies, to show their traditional Christmas food to you – it’s a great way to make friends, delicious food included! (But you might have to return the favour… just as a disclaimer ;))
All photo rights by International Campus GmbH.