The Maori Hangi for Christmas in New Zealand

Christmas in New Zealand is an interesting one. As the country is located in the southern hemisphere, it enjoys the summer when it is winter in most of the other Christmas celebrating nations. So, it is not the snow or the chill but the warm summer sun that accompanies the people in New Zealand during the Christmas. It is celebrated along with the summer holidays and people engage in the buying of gifts and preparing for parties. Taking advantage of the warm summer sun, a trip to the beach during Christmas can be quite exciting. But the traditional Christmas look is not to be missed from the homes or the markets.

You will find Father Christmas with his signature red cloak and white beard along with the snow scenes and play enactments from the Bible. If you look back to the traditions surrounding the Christmas in New Zealand, you will discover that it was initiated by the English settlers who arrived in this region during the 18th century. For the past two or three decades there can be observed a great transformation in the persona of Father Christmas and he has evolved in a very identical style with the image of Santa Claus of the American concept and that of Ireland. The Maori culture also played a great role in bringing in a change in the essence of the festival. The typical spirits and creatures that are essential elements of the Maori culture were transformed into the elves and gnomes in accordance of the traditional Christmas celebrations of Europe. A special service is conducted in the churches to commemorate the birth of Jesus. The New Zealanders were primarily shepherds and so the flocks and shepherds can bring in the Christmas feel with great ease.

As there are no motels in this country, Christmas also gets an added natural flavor as the true meaning of Christmas comes to the fore through the enactments. The flowers and trees blossom during the summer months in New Zealand and the Pohutukawa, a local bloom is a special attraction due to its rich color. They particularly grow on the North Island. These fiery red blossoms of the coastal areas are regarded as the Christmas tree by the people of this country. The summer feel makes an outdoor dinner a preferred option. Picnics are planned and barbecues are set up and the traditional Maori Hangi has its own appeal. A hole is dug in the ground and heated with hot stones. Meat and vegetables are placed in this hole and the food is allowed to get cooked by itself inside this hole. The meal or Hangi is served in the afternoon or evening party after the guests and friends pour in. Following the party, the people gather and sit in a round and sing Christmas carols. A fruity liquor spiked Christmas pudding is a special dessert for a traditional Christmas party here. Turkey roasted with vegetables and rich sauces is another traditional meal. Another interesting fact about Christmas in New Zealand is that they celebrate the occasion during the winter as well. This means, when there is winter in the southern hemisphere. So, like December, July too has a fair share of the Christmas celebrations.