Question: Christmas Angels Around the World: Nigeria

Here's a look at some Christmas angel traditions from Nigeria...

Answer:

In Nigeria during the Christmas season, people enjoy singing and dancing to Christmas carols, many of which describe the important role that angels played on the first Christmas when they announced that Jesus Christ had come to Earth. Church choirs may visit the homes of people in their local church's congregation to perform Christmas carols throughout the Christmas season.

On Christmas Eve, people may sing and dance to Christmas carols at parties (some of which last all night) and then sing and dance some more in church worship services on Christmas Day.

Nigerians often set off fireworks and firecrackers at Christmas to light up the night like the angels lit up the sky in Bethlehem on the first Christmas. People also light up streets and buildings with Christmas lights and candles to celebrate, and during the day, they decorate with palm fronds (which symbolize peace).

People in Nigeria decorate Christmas trees with angel ornaments, and they usually use artificial Christmas trees that don't need to be watered to maintain.

Sometimes, people dress up in Christmas costumes (such as angels) for Christmas parades.

Nigerians place angel figurines in their Christmas nativity scenes, as well.