What a
Wonderful World
Written By Nina Simonds
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Kids are naturally curious about children in other cultures. So take them on a tour of the globe this holiday season... from the comfort of your own home.
Spain
El Dia de los Reyes Magos
January 5
Before bed, children in parts of Spain fill their shoes with hay and carrots and set them in doorways and windowsills. It's a traditional part of Epiphany, which culminates on January 6, the day the three Magi reached baby Jesus. The hay and carrots are for the wise men's hungry donkeys, who have been traveling for many days. In turn, the wise men leave gifts behind for the good boys and girls (they are wise, after all, so they know who's been behaving), and leave "coal" (actually black rock candy) for the not-so-good.
Romania
Anul Nou
January 1
Romanian kids usher in the New Year (Anul Nou) by lightly brushing the shoulders or heads of family and friends with a sorcova — a flowering fruit-tree branch or a stick decorated with paper flowers. The sorcova symbolizes health and fertility, as well as the hope that family members will "blossom" like a tree, and be just as strong and healthy.
