Santa Claus is known by many different names around the world, and in Africa he is sometimes called “Father Christmas. ” In some parts of Africa, Santa may also be referred to as “Papa Noel,” while in the western part of the continent he may be called “Gran Boza.
” Other names that Santa is known by in Africa include “Eji Kpata” in Nigeria, “Papa Noe” in Central Africa, “Tata Noel” in Francophone countries, and “Sana Clausi” in East Africa. In some parts of Africa, including South Sudan, Sudan and Ethiopia, Santa is called “Abedi,” which means “father” or “grandfather” in Arabic.
Additionally, across various parts of the continent, Santa is also known as “Babbo Natale,” “Mikulass,” “Nikolo,” “Pere Noel” and “Baba Noel. ”.
What do Nigerians call Santa?
In Nigeria, Santa Claus is usually referred to as “Baba Christmas” (Father Christmas). Therefore, Nigerians generally call Santa Claus “Baba Christmas” or “Father Christmas”. Baba Christmas is said to bring presents to children on the night of December 24th (Christmas Eve).
In some areas of the country, such as in parts of the south-south region of the country, people also refer to Santa as Eze mundi (the King of the world). In terms of physicality, Baba Christmas is usually depicted with a white beard, a big red suit, and a big bag of presents for children.
So, Nigerians generally call Santa Claus “Baba Christmas” or “Father Christmas”.
Does Nigeria recognize Christmas?
Yes, Nigeria recognizes Christmas. The celebration of Christmas is embraced throughout Nigeria. Christmas in Nigeria is celebrated with religious ceremonies and public holidays. Every year, Christmas is marked with much enthusiasm in this West African country.
Churches hold special services, and families and friends get together for parties featuring both traditional songs and dances and Christian hymns. Gifts and decorations, including a Christmas tree, are also a big part of the festivities.
Other traditional Christmas activities in Nigeria include the display and sale of fireworks, the exchange of presents, and the sharing of food. Furthermore, many local governments and corporations also organize Christmas events.
Because of the large Christian population in Nigeria, Christmas offers an opportunity for many to reunite with family and friends.
Is there Santa in Nigeria?
No, there is not a Santa Claus in Nigeria. In many places around the world, people have adopted the myth of Santa Claus, including Nigeria, but Nigerian people don’t generally celebrate him as a real person.
Popular Nigerian Christmas traditions include singing carols, visiting family members and eating traditional meals, but the figure of Santa Claus does not appear in the celebration. Some families may buy presents for each other, but the presents are not traditionally associated with Santa Claus, who is a figure from western culture.
Do Nigerians believe in Santa Claus?
The vast majority of Nigerians are spiritual, but not religious, and some cultures within Nigeria have varied interpretations of Christmas and its traditional symbols. Generally, many Nigerians do not necessarily believe that Santa is a literal character who delivers presents on Christmas Eve, but rather, many see Santa as a representation of charitable giving and community togetherness that is ever-present during the holidays.
Many also feel that Santa is a symbol of hope and that, by telling stories of Santa Claus, they are able to give a bit more joy and optimism to their children each year during the holidays. Ultimately, it is up to each individual Nigerian to decide if they believe in the story of Santa Claus and, regardless of their beliefs, there is no doubt that Santa is a popular figure during the holiday season in Nigeria.
What do they call Santa in Ghana?
In Ghana, Santa Claus is referred to as ‘Kwaku Ananse’. The name is derived from a major figure in Ghanaian folklore, a spider called Kwaku Ananse, who is an important figure in Ghana’s Ashanti country, believed to be a source of wisdom and knowledge.
The character is often referred to as a spider-man and has been incorporated into various stories and festivals. According to the custom, Kwaku Ananse arrives during the Christmas season, accompanied by helpers, to deliver presents to children around the country.
He is seen as a symbol of hope, joy, and charity, and his visit is eagerly anticipated by children and adults alike each year.
How do South Africa say Santa?
In South Africa, Santa is most commonly referred to as Father Christmas. This is similar to how Santa is known throughout much of the British Commonwealth, though in other places such as the United States, Santa is called simply Santa Claus.
In South Africa, Santa is sometimes colloquially referred to as a mysterious figure of Afrikaans folklore known as Pieterman, known for rewarding good children with presents and punishing naughty children with Switching or a hiding.
Although Father Christmas is the generally accepted term for Santa in South Africa, many other local terms are used colloquially, including Kersvader (lit. “Christmas Father”), Kaapse Klopse (Cape Lumps), and Kleurling Klaas (Colored Nicholas), the latter which would be considered offensive in other countries.
Do Africa celebrate Christmas?
Yes, many African countries celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is a national holiday, such as South Africa, Togo, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Gabon and Nigeria. In some areas of West Africa, there are very distinct Christmas traditions, such as the gum-boot dance, Feasting and gift-giving, and worshipping outdoors.
In South Africa, Christmas Day is celebrated on the 25th of December. Celebrations include singing and dancing, exchanging gifts, feasting, and attending services at various churches. Traditional African dishes are served such as melktert (a creamy custard tart), maize porridge, trifle, and the ever-popular ‘Walkie Talkie’ (roast chicken with chips).
The singing of Christmas carols is a major part of Christmas celebration in South Africa.
In many parts of Nigeria and Ghana, Christmas is not only celebrated with its western traditions, such as exchanging of gifts and singing carols. However, some communities also celebrate by sacrificing animals as part of their traditional customs and beliefs.
No matter where or how Christmas is celebrated across Africa, it is sure to be a unique and special experience.
Is Kwanzaa African Christmas?
No, Kwanzaa is not African Christmas, although it is an African-American holiday celebration that takes place around the same time of year. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach.
It is a week-long celebration that begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American heritage and cultural identity, founded on the principles of Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
During the week of Kwanzaa, families gather to take part in activities that emphasize the seven principles and to enjoy African culture. Celebrations include African-American music, food, and dance, as well as gift-giving and the burning of a candleholder with seven candles.
Kwanzaa is a positive and uplifting cultural holiday, not a religious one like Christmas. While it celebrates African culture, it is also celebrated by Africans of all different backgrounds.
What do people in Africa celebrate instead of Christmas?
In Africa, many countries celebrate Christmas, however, there are a few countries that celebrate alternate holidays. This is typically due to both cultural and religious beliefs. Some of these alternative holidays include:
Kwanzaa: In many countries in East Africa, such as Kenya, Kwanzaa is celebrated instead of Christmas. It is a unique holiday based on African culture and heritage and is celebrated primarily in the United States and Nigeria, but is also celebrated in some countries in Africa.
Kwanzaa starts on December 26th and lasts one week till January 1st with each day marked with special activities including feasts and gifts.
Yalda: In Iran, Yalda celebrates the longest night of the year. This holiday is ancient and pre-dates Islam and is the oldest Iranian festival, usually observed the night before the winter solstice. The festivities include exchanging gifts, decorating, singing and reciting poetry.
Kerstfeest: In Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles, Christmas is referred to as Kerstfeest. People here celebrate the holiday in a very similar way to Christmas by decorating, exchanging presents and having a festive dinner.
Ugadi: In India and parts of Africa, the Hindu holiday of Ugadi is celebrated in parts of the continent in place of Christmas. The festival celebrates the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is typically celebrated on the first day in the first Hindu month of Chaitra.
The day is filled with prayer, gifting and feasting together with family and friends.
These are just a few of the alternative holidays celebrated in place of Christmas in some African countries. Each country celebrates in its own unique way, but all the holidays are a unique way to celebrate family, culture and friendship.
What does Italy have instead of Santa?
In Italy, instead of Santa Claus, they have La Befana, an old woman believed to bring gifts to children. She was born on the eve of the Epiphany, January 5th and is sometimes referred to as the Christmas Witch.
According to Italian folklore, La Befana flies on her broomstick during the night of the Epiphany and fills the stockings of children with candies and presents if they were good during the year. On the other hand, if the children were naughty, they were given lumps of coal and onions as punishment.
La Befana wears a black shawl, apron and headscarf and carries a bag filled with presents. She is often portrayed as being kind, but stern with naughty children. La Befana is a beloved figure in Italy, celebrated in parades and festivals and her popularity even spread to other countries, particularly in South and Central America.