![]() “Mi Burrito Sabanero” is traditionally sung by children and has a Latin rhythm reminiscent of salsa music. In Venezuela, Colombia, and a few other Latin American countries, one of the most famous Christmas classics is about a little donkey named Burrito making its way to Bethlehem. Other Kiwi-inspired items include 11 haka lessons (the traditional Maori war dance) and two kūmara, a sweet potato–like vegetable grown in the region. For example, the partridge was replaced by a pukeko, a species of bird found throughout the country, and the pear tree was replaced by the ponga tree, a large type of fern. Like Australia’s take on “Jingle Bells,” this is New Zealand’s version of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” It switches out the original’s gifts for things that better fit New Zealand’s culture and traditions. It was sort of like an El Camino.) One of the most popular renditions of “Aussie Jingle Bells” was performed by Colin Buchanan and Greg Champion on their holiday album Aussie Christmas with Bucko and Champs. Take the chorus, for example: “Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way / Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer’s day, hey! / Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut / Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.” (The Ute was a utility coupe built by Australian automaker Holden. ![]() December falls during the summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, so this version of the song has lyrics about warm-weather activities instead of snow-filled winter imagery. This song is a down-under twist on a well-known classic, with alternate lyrics sung over the traditional melody. This simple yet beautiful song focuses on wishing others a happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous new year and incorporates the imagery and sounds of typical new year celebrations, like fireworks. “He Xin Nian,” which translates to “Celebrating the New Year,” is a very popular tune during the Lunar New Year, traditionally celebrated in several countries in Asia around late January to early February. The song is also performed as an instrumental, like in this fantastic solo flute performance from Boaz Meirovitch at the Israel Philharmonic. Commonly arranged for voice and piano and sung in Hebrew, this traditional song is sung by families during Hanukkah. “Ner Li,” or “I Have a Candle,” is a simple Hanukkah song that is popular in Israel. Though the main part of the song’s refrain mentions that “snow is falling on the world,” the lyrics tell the story of Jesus’s birth. This beautiful hymn, the title of which translates to “Snow, Snow,” did not become popular until the 1960s, when Lebanese singer Fairuz, considered by many to be one of the most famous singers in the Arab world, recorded her stunning version. The Tabernacle Choir sang the song during its 2012 holiday concert. Frequently accompanied by drumming and choreography, the song is commonly sung during choral programs. The lyrics focus on Betelehemu-or Bethlehem, where Jesus was born-as the singers express praise and thanks. Written by Grammy-winning Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji, this Yoruba holiday song is rooted in tribal drumming rhythms. Some are interesting takes on familiar favorites, while others are unique creations! Let’s take a trip and explore 12 popular songs from around the globe. There are many great holiday songs and traditions to be discovered. There are countless wonderful wintertime holidays from every culture, and you can learn more about them at MIM’s upcoming ’Tis the Season Signature Event. Many global holidays are celebrated this time of year, such as Toji, Japan’s winter solstice celebration Trongsa Tshechu, a Buddhist festival in Bhutan and Saint Lucia’s Day, a festival of lights observed in several Nordic countries. ![]() A stroll through MIM’s Geographic Galleries will quickly remind you of the amazing and diverse cultures and traditions that exist in other countries. But many of the holiday songs we hear don’t reflect the wide variety of wintery tunes streaming in other parts of the world. Most of the songs playing in grocery stores and on radio stations are popular hits like “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman,” Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas,” and Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” (which is the best-selling single of all time). ![]() ![]() The holiday season is upon us, and festive songs are filling the airwaves everywhere we go. ![]()
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