People everywhere love Christmas – but we don’t all celebrate it the same way.
Mama Lisa’s Christmas Around The World is a celebration of the diversity and love with which many different cultures mark this joyful time of year.
You’ll read about:
- How in Italy it’s not Santa Claus who gives gifts to all the children. It’s La Befana, a friendly witch!
- How Scandinavians mark the end of the season by “plundering” the Christmas Tree on St. Knut’s Day. That’s a fun way to get children to help with the post-holiday clean-up!
- How in Colombia, in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s usually warm in December. So Christmas is celebrated like a giant outdoor block party!
The first part of the book covers some of the traditions that take place on days other than Christmas itself, like St. Nick’s Day and Epiphany. The history and meaning of these holidays is discussed, often with examples of traditional songs.
The second part presents beloved traditions and songs from many different nations. The songs are given in the original languages and with English translations.
What makes the book really special is the many comments from Mama Lisa’s correspondents who have shared stories and memories from their own lives. The memories of childhood touch us forever!
Many of the songs featured also include links to the Mama Lisa website, where you can find recordings, videos and sheet music.
Merry Christmas!
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April 23rd, 2011 at 6:53 am
My Ukrainian mom always told us that whistling in the house meant the house would burn down. She had a superstition for every bad habit – which I later realized was a way to teach us manners.
December 26th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
My whole family is from Ukraine. There was something for everything. Whistling was bad fortune, licking the plate meant your husband would be bald, singing while eating meant your husband would be unintelligible, and yawning without covering your mouth was dangerous because your soul could fly out. And so on :)
December 26th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
That’s interesting! Thanks for sharing.
April 1st, 2017 at 2:25 pm
My ukrainian grandmother had the same superstition about whistling in the house…I’m just curious…where in the ukraine did your grandmother emigrate from? Thanks! Lori
p.s., Here are some others…if a baby is born in november, a family member will die within 6 months..if a bird flies in the house someone will die…grim, I know!