Haltickling
2nd Level Green Feather
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Have you ever wondered about the origin of the Christmas tree tradition? Well, here's the explanation:
Most Germanic tribes (the Saxons among them) used to decorate their houses with fir branches throughout wintertime, to remind them of the hope for an oncoming spring. This tradition was continued until about 400 years ago, and many European cultures adopted this custom.
Then whole small trees replaced the branches, but still without decorations. Only in the late 18th century, people started to decorate their trees with candles, wooden figurines and ornaments, and colorful ribbons.
Santa Claus (St. Nicolaus) was the Bishop of Myra (Asia Minor) in the 4th century (exact dates are not sure), and the legends told that he supported poor children with small gifts (clothes and food). Still upon today, the holiday of St. Nicolaus is celebrated here in Germany on December 6th, and his costume is a red cloak and a bishop's mitra (not like the American Santa's jelly-cap), and he brings sweets to the children. Traditionally, German kids put their boots outside their door on the evening of December 5th, and find them filled with sweets next day.
In many central European regions, Santa is not the one who brings the Christmas presents. No, it's "Christ Child" (Infant Jesus in the crib) who gave himself as a present to mankind, and he is responsible for all the presents (in the eyes of the kids, of course). We unpack all our presents on Christmas Eve, but the two following holidays are still reserved for family gatherings.
Happy Holidays!
Most Germanic tribes (the Saxons among them) used to decorate their houses with fir branches throughout wintertime, to remind them of the hope for an oncoming spring. This tradition was continued until about 400 years ago, and many European cultures adopted this custom.
Then whole small trees replaced the branches, but still without decorations. Only in the late 18th century, people started to decorate their trees with candles, wooden figurines and ornaments, and colorful ribbons.
Santa Claus (St. Nicolaus) was the Bishop of Myra (Asia Minor) in the 4th century (exact dates are not sure), and the legends told that he supported poor children with small gifts (clothes and food). Still upon today, the holiday of St. Nicolaus is celebrated here in Germany on December 6th, and his costume is a red cloak and a bishop's mitra (not like the American Santa's jelly-cap), and he brings sweets to the children. Traditionally, German kids put their boots outside their door on the evening of December 5th, and find them filled with sweets next day.
In many central European regions, Santa is not the one who brings the Christmas presents. No, it's "Christ Child" (Infant Jesus in the crib) who gave himself as a present to mankind, and he is responsible for all the presents (in the eyes of the kids, of course). We unpack all our presents on Christmas Eve, but the two following holidays are still reserved for family gatherings.
Happy Holidays!
