Christmas in New Zealand

People celebrate Christmas in the summer since people live in the Southern Hemisphere, when the Phutukawa tree is full of bright red petals. Some believe that if the tree blossoms in early December, you will have a long summer. According to Maori legend, the tree brings 'Arhoa' (the Maori term for love) to the land and its inhabitants.

Christmas traditions in New Zealand are similar to those in Australia in that they include British and North American elements, such as winter imagery in Christmas symbols. However, because Christmas falls during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, numerous local traditions have developed as a result of the warmer weather. Summer fruits and vegetables, a variety of meats and shellfish, and pavlova are among the Christmas foods served in New Zealand (a meringue-based dessert popular in Australasia). The phutukawa, a New Zealand Christmas tree, is on exhibit beside the conventional Northern European tree. This is one of the things about New Zealand you should know.