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| Christmas Carnivals » Christmas Around The World » Christmas In Suriname |
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Christmas In Suriname |
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The Caribbean Christmas involves people from all backgrounds. People of all religions and people, who do not observe any religious rituals at all, are equally involved in the various activities of Christmas. Celebration of Christmas in Suriname includes gift giving, feasting, exchange of Christmas cards,
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Christmas music and masquerade in its various forms.
Christmas in Suriname begins with early preparations. The Christmas cards are chosen or made with an eye to the last detail. They are sent to friends and relatives and many a hearty discussion is held on the beauty of the Christmas cards thus received. Though today, with the advent of the Internet and online greeting cards, receiving a Christmas card is an instantaneous affair. Greetings are exchanged over the telephone too. Christmas carols are part of each and every Christmas in Suriname. The day begins early for the Surinamese and the small children put out cookies and milk for Goedoe Pa (dearest daddy). Goedoe Pa leaves the children’s presents next to their shoes on the morning of December 6th and poems are attached to the gifts.
Suriname was earlier a Dutch colony, but today the shackles of colony life is not present. But in the colonial days, Suriname observed the Dutch customs. The arrival of St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas in Dutch) was a big affair for the children. This aged man arrived by ship on December 5th. He rode a white horse and had a retinue of servants. Children left hay and carrots in their shoes for St. Nicholas' horse.
December 26th, called Tweede Kerstdag is celebrated in festive fashion with parties, gifts, and ethnic Christmas dishes. During the two days, national holidays, Suriname’s offices, factories and schools are closed. Connect to
Christmas Carnivals for more.
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