New Zealand Christmas traditions

New Zealand Christmas traditions

Work by Giulia

Christmas in New Zealand is celebrated outdoors, since it falls during the summer season. Days are long, the weather is sunny and warm, and New Zealanders love to celebrate it on the beach, by a lake or river, or in the backyard enjoying a good barbecue with family or friends.

Kiwi Cristmas tree

In New Zealand, residents take advantage of the early summer weather by adopting a particularly festive local tree (Pohutukawa) as a symbol of Christmas on the island. This tree is also known as kiwi Christmas (since the inhabitants of New Zealand are nicknamed kiwis) and grows on most of the beaches along New Zealand's east coast, blooming at Christmas time. The red and crimson flowers make a great sight and are one of the things New Zealanders associate most with the Christmas season.

How to decorate a Kiwi Christmas tree?

The best way for decorate a Kiwi Christmas tree is to use:

• coloured balls of different shapes
• small snowflakes
• pine cones.

History:The kiwi Christmas tree is very important in Maori culture, this exotic tree became part of New Zealand's Christmas tradition in the mid-nineteenth century. Protagonist of colourful greeting cards, as well as poems and songs, it has become a true symbol for people, both in homeland and abroad.

Other info:

• It is said that Queen Elizabeth II received a jar of the tree juice as a gift and requested some other each year. It is said to have medicinal properties and is used like honey to soothe a sore throat.
• The bark of the tree is also useful and was a traditional folk medicine against dysentery