Christmas Customs - Where Did They Come From?
Christmas. Just the mention of the word conjures up vivid mental images and fond memories of cherished traditions. The beautifully decorated tree, holly, carols, the candy canes, the stockings hung over the fireplace, not forgetting the beautifully wrapped christmas gifts for children and grown-ups. It’s a time of year we all look forward to. Did you ever wonder where some of these traditions originated?
The history of our beloved Christmas tree dates all the way back to Egyptian times. Trees and plants that remained green or ‘alive’ all year have long been a symbol of health and life. Evergreens were a part of the Winter Solstice; a celebration that marked the end of winter. The green boughs were hung as a reminder that soon the farms and orchards would be green and fruitful again.
The Christmas tree as we know it is credited to 16th century Germany, when Christians brought the trees into their homes. It is believed that the Protestant reformer, Martin Luther was the first to add light to a tree. While walking home one cold winter evening, he noticed the stars twinkling amidst the evergreen branches. In an effort to recreate this beauty, he decorated the tree in his own home with lit candles.
By the early 20th century, American trees were being decorated with apples, nuts, brightly dyed popcorn, and handmade ornaments. With the invention of electricity, strung lights replaced the candle and soon the decorated Christmas tree became a beloved American tradition as well as the subject of songs, paintings, and Christmas cards.
The wreaths that adorn our front doors date back hundreds of years. The circular shape, without a beginning or end, coupled with the fact that is always green (or always alive) makes it a representation of everlasting life. It’s origins began with Christian beliefs.
The Christmas card is a tradition that sometimes gives us the opportunity to regain contact with friends and family members that we may have lost touch with. It is a Victorian creation that began as Christmas stationary and dates back to 1843 London. That year, a little over 2,000 were printed in the form of penny post cards. By 1870, over 5 million were being produced.
What would Christmas be without the added bonus of having gifts and candy overflowing our Christmas stockings? Traditionally hung over the fireplace, legend has it that St. Nicholas wanted to help a poor family but remain anonymous. He threw some gold coins down the chimney for them and they landed in the stockings that had been hung over the fire to dry.
The foods that we eat during the holiday season have special meaning as well. Candy canes are edible ornaments said to have their beginnings in the 1600’s when a German choirmaster used them to keep his young singers occupied and quiet during the long holiday recital. It wasn’t until the 1840’s that the candy first appeared as a tree decoration.
Christmas dinner wouldn’t be the same without the golden brown turkey at the center of this traditional feast. Turkey was not always the bird of choice though. Originally, it was the goose that adorned the Christmas table. During the war, meat became so scarce that some families ate sausage for Christmas. Once the war was over, turkey farms sprang up across America. Easy to breed and less expensive than the goose, it soon became the preferred holiday bird.
These are only a handful of the many traditions that make the Christmas holiday so special. Ever more elaborate decorations are now used, including personalised Christmas baubles and decorations. By far the most popular and favoured time of year for children and adults alike, Christmas is a time to practice the traditions of old and to start new ones that are unique to your own family. The most important thing to do during the holiday season is to make memories. They will last a lifetime.
This is an original news article © The Kids Window
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