Monika Utnik

This children's book originally published in Polish gives a broad look at Christmas traditions from around the world - as well as other seasonal holidays related, such as Saint Nicholas's Day, New Year's, and Three Kings Day/Epiphany.

I have loved this kind of book, detailing Christmas and Christmas-related celebrations and traditions around the world, since I was a child and read quite a few. This one starts roughly chronologically with Advent and early December celebrations, randomly inserting more topical sections on food, or Santa Claus and alternatives. I had a hard time keeping everything straight as a result, and would've preferred things kept in order strictly by date, or even divided by country. There were a couple of times when statements didn't quite add up - like saying in one section that "we don't know when Jesus was born or even where" and another on the Three Kings talking about what the star might have been and that they went to Bethlehem, or saying that the Immaculate Conception referred to Mary's birth without specifying that hers is only in some traditions. The illustrations of a Japanese family were disconcerting, giving them slits for eyes. While I don't begrudge the time spent reading the book, the more I think about it the less it seems one that will stick with me.… (altro)

‘’Can you imagine the winter without Christmas?It’s one of the most important and happiest Christian holidays - full of aromas, flavours, and unforgettable traditions.’’

As we are heading towards the last lap before Christmas, let us find ourselves on a beautiful journey, led by Monika Utnik-Strugala’s fascinating writing and Ewa Poklewska-Koziello’s mesmerizing illustrations. And, naturally, let us rejoice because we are a part of a beautiful world with exciting traditions regardless of colour, religion or social status.

We learn about Pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern who ran an orphanage in Hamburg and how he created the first Advent wreath to bring joy to the children. About the origins of the Christmas Tree and the transition from edible decorations to glass ornaments. Did you know the true meaning of stockings and snow globes? Or the Swedish Christmas goat, julbock and julstjarna, the popular Swedish paper stars that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem?

We learn about the importance of St Nickolas’ Dat and the beautiful festival of lights during the day of St Lucy in Sweden, one of the most enticing traditions. The celebratory Dancing in Church in Sevilla and La Noche de las Velitas in Colombia. Find out more about the illuminated boats that we Greeks used to decorate. Being a maritime nation with an exquisitely long naval heritage, the boats symbolised our close relationship with the sea and our longing for exploration. The Christmas Tree was introduced to us in 1833 during the reign of the Bavarian King Otto, following four centuries of existence under Ottoman Rule.

Well, there are always bells hanging over the fireplace to drive the kalikantzaroi away, at least…

Let us talk about the Nativity cribs. You have seen nothing until you have witnessed the miraculously beautiful miniatures of Bethlehem and the Nativity cribs in Italy. The Neapolitan cribs are pure magic. The cribs from the city of Krakow, known as szopki, resemble castles and churches with towers and gates that protect the Holy Infant. Now, think about the gifts that are so generously provided to us by Nature. Mistletoe. The sacred plant of the Celts, Frigg’s tears over Baldr’s death according to the tales of the Norse. Holly. The one that keeps evil elves away in Scotland. Poinsettia. The blood of a goddess whose heart was broken by unrequited love in Mexican Folklore. Pohutukawa. New Zealand’s Christmas Tree.

Raddish sculptures in Mexico. The Twelve Christmas dishes of Poland. The kourabiedes (a word which is almost certainly derived from the Turkish word kurabiye = biscuit) that are consumed with obsession in Greece. The Italian Panettone. The British Christmas Pudding. In Denmark, they break crockery. In Greece, we break pomegranates (Hello Persephone!)

Meet Jack Frost and Snegurochka. Krampus, the Jolasveinar, Befana and Agios Vasilis with his gifts. Experience the Nutcracker Ballet tradition for the millionth time in your lives and contemplate Dicken’s gift to our world in the story of Scrooge and the three ghosts.

Sing ALL THE CAROLS and you may possibly hear the animals speaking in human voices at midnight on Christmas Eve.

Because Christmas is a synonym for magic. We celebrate the miracle of Life, God’s gift to us in the face of His Only Son. Magic and miracles are in the air. And for a few days in the year, we can let ourselves participate in the wonderful hullabaloo of Christmas.

And always keep an extra place at the table for the loved ones who have left us…

‘’...just as the spring sun conquers the winter darkness, so Jesus brought humankind the hope of a better tomorrow.’’

Many thanks to NorthSouth Books Inc. and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/… (altro)