Christmas is a time of joy, unity, and tradition, celebrated in various ways around the globe, and often accompanied by Christmas songs. It's easy to get swept up in playing the usual Slade and Mariah Carey hits on loop, but perhaps this year, get you and your class to experience Christmas songs from around the world a little too. With the controversy surrounding 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' continuing, it's well worth discussing the positives and pitfalls of such a song, but also worth exploring how Christmas is marked across the world and the songs used to commemorate it.
From carols sung by candlelight in Africa, to festive ballads in Latin America, the season is forever brought to life through the universal language of music. So, without further ado, let’s explore 8 Christmas songs from across the continents.
1.) Betelehemu (Nigeria)
In Nigeria, Christmas is marked by vibrant church services, family feasts, and singing that fill the warm December air. Food plays a central role in Nigerian Christmas. Popular dishes include jollof rice, pepper soup and deep-fried dough balls. The Yoruba Christmas carol "Betelehemu," composed by Babatunde Olatunji (one of our Musicians of the Month), reflects the joy of Christ's birth. This lively composition has captivated audiences worldwide, inspiring a sense of joy, celebration, and cultural unity.
2.) Kurisumasu Eve (Japan)
While Japan celebrates Christmas, its approach differs significantly from traditional American or European customs. Shaped largely by Buddhist and Shinto influences, Japan's population is only about 1% Christian, making Christmas a secular rather than religious celebration.
Christmas is therefore not a public holiday but is celebrated by many with great enthusiasm. After World War II, Christian missionaries introduced the concept of Christmas to Japan, including the tradition of gift-giving. Over time, Japan embraced Christmas not for its spiritual significance but as a symbol of modernity and prosperity in a post-war era.
It is now seen as a time for romance (much like our Valentine's Day) and fantastic light displays! Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” is a beloved Japanese holiday classic that captures the bittersweet feeling of Christmas love.
3.) Stille Nacht (Austria)
Originating in Austria, "Stille Nacht" is one of the most iconic Christmas songs in the world. Written by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr in 1818, it has been translated into countless languages. Modern artists continue to perform beautiful renditions of this carol, in this case, Helene Fischer from Germany.
4.) The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (Trinidad and Tobago)
In Trinidad and Tobago, Christmas is celebrated with vibrant music, including a unique style known as Parang. This lively genre blends Venezuelan and Trinidadian influences and is typically sung in Spanish. The music features a variety of instruments such as guitars, cuatros (a small four-string guitar), violins, maracas (locally called chac-chacs), and wooden blocks. This tradition creates a lively, communal atmosphere where music, food, and togetherness come together to celebrate the holiday season.
Originating from the Caribbean, this Christmas song blends Christian storytelling with calypso rhythms. It celebrates the nativity with a unique island flair, making it a staple in Caribbean Christmas traditions. This was performed by The De Paur Chorus, a group formed in the USA by Leonard Etienne De Paur, popular during the 1960s.
5.) El Burrito Sabanero (Columbia)
In recent years, traditional Colombian Christmas music like "El Burrito Sabanero" - a beloved villancico (Christmas carol) - continues to dominate during the season. Its timeless charm and cultural significance keep it a key part of the Colombian holiday soundtrack. The song is popular in many Spanish-speaking countries and here it is sung by Spanish singer David Bisbal.
6.) Christmas in Our Hearts (The Philippines)
The Philippines is predominantly Christian, with approximately 86-90% of its population identifying as Christian, primarily Roman Catholic. This is largely due to the influence of Spanish colonisation, which began in the late 16th century. Catholicism became deeply embedded in the culture, and many Filipino traditions, festivals, and holidays revolve around Christian practices.
This song has become an iconic part of Filipino holiday celebrations and is widely regarded as the unofficial anthem of Christmas in the country. It's cherished not only for its catchy tune but also for its heartfelt message about the spirit of love and togetherness during the Christmas season.
7.) Merry & Happy (South Korea)
"Merry & Happy" by TWICE is a cheerful holiday-themed track released in 2017. The song features the group’s signature bright pop sound, with upbeat melodies and lyrics that focus on spreading joy and positivity during the Christmas season. The track emphasises themes of togetherness, love, and celebration, as the members express their excitement and gratitude for spending the holiday with their loved ones. In fact, there is a whole host of South Korean K-pop Christmas songs should you wish to enjoy more here.
8.) Feliz Navidad (Puerto Rico)
Feliz Navidad was written by José Feliciano, a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and guitarist known for his soulful voice and mastery of the guitar. Born in 1945, Feliciano overcame blindness to become a global music icon. Released in 1970, Feliz Navidad is a bilingual Christmas classic, beloved worldwide for its joyful simplicity and enduring charm.
These hits showcase how Christmas music remains a celebration of love, family and faith. Whether you’re dancing to calypso rhythms, singing along to gospel harmonies, or enjoying pop-infused holiday anthems, there’s a Christmas song for everyone, no matter where in the world you might be!
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