Christmas in Ghana: How the holiday is celebrated in the country

Christmas is an annual festivity commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Billions of Christians worldwide observe it mainly on the 25th of December as a religious and societal celebration. It is a public holiday in many countries, such as Ghana. So, how much do you know about Christmas in Ghana?

Christmas traditions in Ghana are observed with various activities from December 25 to the first week of January. People travel during this time to visit relatives and friends in other parts of the country. The following is how you can spend the Christmas holiday in Ghana.

How is Christmas in Ghana celebrated by Christians?

Ghana, like any other country, has its own Christmas traditions. The following are key activities between Christmas Eve night and Christmas day.

Church services

Christmas Eve night is when the actual celebrations begin, with religious services that include drumming and dancing. Children frequently perform a Nativity Scene or other arts. Then, choirs and people gather before the priests to sing and dance.

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Songs are mainly sung in dialects that most people understand. During this day, churches are highly crowded with individuals dressed in bright traditional garb.

After the service, they rush back to their homes in the morning to receive and give gifts. Before going home for a celebratory family meal, young kids receive gifts such as cookies, clothes or chocolates from Father Christmas.

What do they eat for Christmas in Ghana?

Ghanaian Christmas foods include traditional dishes such as porridge, stew or okra soup, rice, meats, and a yam paste known as 'fufu.'

Fufu is a carbohydrate side dish made by combining and hammering cassava, a potato-like vegetable, with powdered green plantain, a banana-like fruit. The two are combined to form a paste, which is then cooked.

During the holidays, it is customary to eat four to five meals per day, with snacks in between. It is also an excellent time for neighbours and friends to frequently invite one another to a buffet.

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What distinguishes Christmas in Ghana from other countries?

The day is celebrated by Christians all over the world, and the activities are usually similar. However, Ghanaians have their own distinct ways of celebrating the day. Among them are:

Christmas greetings

How do you say Merry Christmas in Ghana? During the festive period, Ghanaians frequently say 'Afishapa' to one another. The phrase is derived from Akan, one of the nation's most widely used languages, and is interpreted as 'Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.'

Egbona hee and egogo vo are common greetings on Christmas Eve, which also translates as 'Christ is coming, he is near.'

Christmas tree

Whereas Christmas trees are common across numerous cultures, they are uncommon in Ghanaian households.

Decorated Christmas trees in Ghana are typically mostly found in big hotels or shopping malls. There may also be a public tree in the town centre. These trees are commonly adorned with colourful paper ornaments made by children for their schools and homes.

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Father Christmas

Children all over the world are familiar with Father Christmas. Most people associate him with his long white beard and cherry-red outfit, though not in Ghana.

Typically, Ghanaian kids associate Father Christmas, or Papa Bronya, with sandals and a lovely red robe snipped with gold. His ensemble is completed by a conventionally shaped sash and a hooded white cloak.

Another distinction is the gifts given by Father Christmas. Rather than toys, Ghanaian children are frequently given food to eat.

Where in Ghana are the most significant festive celebrations?

Accra, Ghana's capital city, hosts the country's largest festivity celebrations. However, celebrations are also held in other towns such as Tamale, Kumasi, and Ashaiman Cape Coast.

Christmas in Accra has a long tradition of festivity celebrations. The first Christmas service occurred at the Anglican Church in 1823, and other denominations quickly followed the norm.

It is regarded as one of Ghana's most important religious holidays and a moment for families to gather. It's also a day when numerous individuals acknowledge God for all of the blessings given to them over the past year.

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What is the importance of Christmas to Ghanaians?

The festivity season is as meaningful in Ghana as in any other country and has always served as a justification to get together with friends and relatives. The following are some of the reasons why Ghanaians value this period.

• The Festive period reminds people of Ghana of the value of family, and during this period, they spend time with their loved ones.
• It is also a moment for people to express gratitude to those who have assisted them over the years. As a result, many events in Ghana occur, particularly around the festivity period.
• It is a period that represents peace, joy, love, and goodwill, which is a perfect mental state for everybody to be in while spending time with their cherished ones.
• During this festivity season, they receive and exchange presents, participate in social community events such as street parties and community gatherings, and attend religious services.

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Interesting facts about Christmas

• The first Christmas card was sent in 1843.
• Santa's red suit became iconic thanks to Coca-Cola.
• Christmas was once banned in England.
• The world's tallest Christmas tree was over 221 feet tall.
• Jingle Bells was originally a Thanksgiving song.
• The song Silent Night is over 200 years old.
• The custom of Christmas trees dates back to the 16th century.
• The 12 Days of Christmas refers to the time after Christmas.
• The largest Christmas gift ever given was the Statue of Liberty.
• Christmas lights were first used to replace candles.
• White Christmas is the best-selling single of all time.
• In Norway, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve.

FAQs

1. When is Christmas in Ghana? The Christmas festival in Ghana will be celebrated on the 25th of December.
2. What do children often do at Christmas Eve church services in Ghana? Christmas Eve marks the beginning of the festive celebrations, with lively church services featuring drumming and dancing. Children often perform Nativity plays or other dramas.
3. How is Christmas celebrated in Ghana? Ghanaians mark the occasion by preparing special meals and wearing new, beautiful attire. The celebrations are filled with family togetherness as they enjoy meals, dance, and sing in joyous harmony.
4. What happens during Christmas Day? People come together with family and friends to celebrate, exchanging gifts, sharing special meals, and embracing traditions such as decorating Christmas trees and singing carols.
5. Which country celebrates Christmas first? The country that celebrates Christmas first is England. They start decorating their homes and Christmas trees in mid-November.
6. Which countries don't celebrate Christmas? Countries that do not recognize Xmas as a public holiday include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, North Korea, Libya, Mauritania, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

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Christmas in Ghana is celebrated through various activities from the 20th of December to the first week of January. Ghanaians spend this time with their loved ones and attend church to thank God for protecting and providing for them throughout the year.

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Source: YEN.com.gh