Across numerous nations, Day is celebrated with joy and serves as an occasion for gathering with loved ones to engage in rich cultural traditions like folk dancing. In several countries, folk dancing – deeply rooted in history, culture, and custom – remains a significant aspect of their festive season celebrations. The spectacle of these dances is enhanced by the vibrant costumes, resembling the traditional attire worn by folk dancers from centuries past.

Though passed down through generations, folk dancing has been preserved by cultural and educational organizations, as well as dance instructors. Those interested in imparting knowledge on folk dancing or other dance forms might find the dance teacher job opportunity on Jooble appealing.

In this write-up, we collaborated with specialists from the job aggregator to explore fascinating Christmas dance traditions from various countries worldwide and trace a brief history of folk dancing.

The Beginnings of Folk Dancing

While much remains unknown about its earliest origins, folk dancing boasts a rich history spanning various centuries. Due to the isolation of countries worldwide until the 20th century, a myriad of unique folk dances developed independently in different regions. These traditional dances originally served to provide entertainment while celebrating important events. The costumes donned by contemporary folk dancers vividly recall that these performances are time-honored cultural practices.

Christmas Carols and the Circle Dance

Many countries have their distinct folk dances that are performed during the festive season. Historically, dancing and singing carols at Christmas were intertwined. The term “carol” derives from the Greek words choraulein, composed of choros (dance) and aulein (to play the flute). In medieval England, a carol involved a circle dance accompanied by singing. Over time, “carol” came to signify the song itself rather than the dance.

Folk Dances Worldwide at Christmastime

Romania

In the eastern part of Moldova, the Bear Dance, or Ursul dance, dates back to pre-Christian times. Historically, Gypsies brought bears to villages to expel evil spirits. Today, participants don bear skins, bear heads, and red tassels on their shoulders. Musicians play drums and flutes as dancers sway from side to side, causing the tassels to whirl.

Denmark

In Denmark, it is customary to dance around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Once adorned with lights, families dance or shuffle around the tree, singing traditional Danish tunes.

Jamaica, Bahamas & Belize

Jonkonnu (or John Canoe) is a festive event involving copious dancing, music, and imaginative costumes, celebrated in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Belize. It takes place from the day after Christmas until the days leading up to the New Year. Participants wear elaborate masks, vibrant costumes, and the dances are accompanied by percussion instruments.

Scotland

Christmas was prohibited in Scotland in the seventeenth century due to religious beliefs and only reappeared in the early 20th century. Today, Scotland’s Christmas celebrations epitomize the idea of “eat, drink, and be merry.” A variety of dances are performed to traditional Gaelic music, with group dancing being more prevalent than partner dances. These dances are simple yet dynamic. Fire holds symbolic importance during Christmas in Scotland, and burning Rowan tree branches is a customary practice to “dispel” negative feelings among friends or family. Some Scots also dance around a bonfire.

Mexico

In Mexico, the annual Posadas Navideas (the heart of Mexico’s traditional Christmas festivities) commence on December 16, commemorating the events leading up to Christmas. Posada Navideas occurs over Las Posadas – the nine days from December 16 to 24. Processions of celebrants sing Christmas carols as they visit homes, reenacting the story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter the night before Jesus’ birth. Two individuals dressed as Mary and Joseph knock on doors “looking for lodging.” A procession follows them, holding candles and singing Christmas carols (Villancicos). The Fiesta Mexicana ensues the Posada with dance, music, and traditional Mexican Christmas treats.