Gillian Harvey looks at some unusual seasonal celebrations.
WITH its cold, wet weather and nights that seem to draw in earlier each year, winter isn’t always the most inspiring season.
It’s little wonder that, over the years, people across the world have tried to bring a little colour and life to these darker months.
Celebrations on December 25 date back to pagan times, although it was only named as the official birthday of Jesus Christ in the early 300s.
Prior to this, pagans would worship the birth of the sun.
Early church fathers thought it prudent to repurpose the date for Christianity to make it more palatable to potential converts.
Biblical scholars believe it more likely that Christ was born between April and September.
Regardless, whether we go all in for a traditional Christmas, celebrate Hanukkah, welcome in the winter solstice or enjoy a fireworks display on December 31, most of us will indulge in a winter warmer – a celebration of light and colour against December’s darker backdrop.
Across the world, winter carnivals, light displays and Christmas markets bring cheer to the colder months.
But in some locations the celebrations are a little more left-field than others.
Here, we look at five unusual winter festivals from across the globe.
Whether the celebrations are wild and whacky, or simply fun and entertaining, they’re a great way to lift the spirits during the colder months.
Up Helly Aa, Shetland Islands
Before Scotland took possession of the Shetland Islands, they belonged to Norway.
Residents are keen to commemorate this fact each winter.
The event takes place in the town of Lerwick every January – with locals donning traditional Viking garb and parading through the streets with axes and torches pulling a longboat.
For the grand finale, the “Vikings” will throw their torches on to the boat, setting it ablaze.
Celebrations, dancing and feasting last until the wee small hours – so it’s a good thing the next day is a public holiday for all.
Schmuggler Trophy, Switzerland
The Schmuggler Trophy between Switzerland and Austria takes place in the Silvretta ski arena each year.
Participants smuggle sacks, in teams across the mountains on skis, in a playful competition said to celebrate smugglers of the past who brought in fur, cloth and butter from the Paznaun Valley in Austria.
In days gone by locals would trade these items for their own treasures – including flou
