Giving greeting cards, hanging stockings by the fireplace, and decorating Christmas trees… are popular traditions around the world during the Christmas season.
Christmas Card: The first card was created by Henry Cole and John Horsley in 1843 to encourage people to use the postal service. Each card cost 1 shilling (equivalent to £5.75 today), and the stamp was priced at 1 penny (equivalent to 40 pence today). Advances in printing technology reduced costs, making cards popular by the 1860s. By 1900, the tradition of sending Christmas cards had spread throughout Europe.
Decorating the Christmas Tree: The fir tree is a familiar sight during Christmas and New Year celebrations. One of the activities that creates a joyful and cozy atmosphere during this festive season is decorating the Christmas tree. As Christmas approaches, you can see many beautifully decorated trees displayed in homes, supermarkets, and train stations. There are numerous legends surrounding this tree; it is generally believed that Saint Boniface considered it a symbol of the Savior. Additionally, decorating the Christmas tree during the holiday helps to ward off evil spirits and commemorates Jesus Christ. Typically, small gifts, bells, and stockings are hung on the tree, each household decorating it in its unique style.
Mince Pie: The first mince pies were made with meat, fruit, and spices, inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine brought back by the Crusaders. Traditionally, the pie contained 13 ingredients, representing Jesus and his apostles, and was shaped like a manger. Initially known by various names, including “mutton pie,” “shrid pie,” and “Christmas pie.” Its ingredients typically included a mixture of minced meat, suet, a variety of fruits, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Used during Christmas, the savory Christmas pie (as it was then known) was associated with the so-called “idolatry worship” of Catholicism, which the Puritans frowned upon during the English Civil War. However, the tradition of eating Christmas pie in December persisted into the Victorian era, although it became sweeter and smaller compared to its earlier elongated form. Today, mince pie remains a popular seasonal treat enjoyed by many across the United Kingdom.
Hanging Stockings: This custom originates from the legend of Saint Nicholas. Once, Saint Nicholas sent a bag of gold down the chimney of a poor man who had no dowry for his unmarried daughters. The bag fell into stockings that were hung out to dry. The Dutch later referred to Saint Nicholas as Sinterklaas, which gradually evolved into Santa Claus in English. Hanging stockings on Christmas Day is an act expressing a desire for good fortune.
Christmas Crackers: Tom Smith, a confectioner in London, invented Christmas crackers in the late 1840s, inspired by French wrapped candies.
Turkey: Originating from Mexico, turkey was first brought to England by William Strickland in 1526. King Henry VIII enjoyed turkey, and although poultry was a food of the upper class by the late 19th century, the king popularized this dish among the middle class during Christmas. Nevertheless, a turkey at that time cost as much as a week’s salary.
Pudding: This dessert has its origins in the medieval period as a porridge made from wheat. By the mid-17th century, puddings became thicker and were made with eggs, dried fruits, and alcohol. It is an indispensable dish during the Christmas gathering. Slice it up and share with each loved one a piece infused with the aroma of brandy, a touch of rum, and fragrant cloves and cinnamon. Sweet, chewy dried fruit slices and crunchy almonds make Christmas pudding even more delightful.
Mistletoe: Hanging mistletoe in the home is an ancient Christian tradition believed to bring good fortune to the homeowner and ward off evil spirits. Originating from England, Catholics also have the custom of kissing under the mistletoe, as this plant is associated with the figure of the goddess of love.
Christmas Songs: Christmas songs have been written over centuries, but the most famous ones date back to the time of Queen Victoria (England). The song Jingle Bells, composed by J. Pierpont, is included in a collection of popular American folk songs known as the American Song Bag. The song Silent Night, Holy Night, originating from Germany, was titled Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht and was composed by priest Joseph Mohr after the German-Austrian-Prussian war.
Santa Claus Gifts to Children: As Christmas approaches, you often see images of Santas (people in costume) carrying large gift bags to give to children at the request of families. This practice stems from the birth of the Christ Child and carries profound religious significance. When Christ was born in the manger, three wise men came and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, poor people had nothing to give and could only bring vegetables to offer to the Lord. From this, people began to exchange Christmas gifts as a way of sharing blessings from God.
Yule Log Cake: The origin of the Yule log cake likely traces back to the Celts. The Winter Solstice (also known as the Yule Festival) was celebrated with many significant rituals. A log was burned to welcome the return of the sun in spring, bringing light and good fortune. On the shortest day of the year, the Celts would search for a large oak, ash, or cherry tree trunk to burn as a symbol of the sun’s rebirth. In medieval times, the ritual of burning logs became more elaborate, with logs decorated with ribbons and green leaves. Then, the youngest and oldest members of each family would carry the log to the fireplace and burn it in a fire that would last all night. It was believed that these logs could heal many ailments and protect the home from evil spirits. Over time, as wood-burning fireplaces became less common and old oaks dwindled, a cake shaped like a log was placed on the table during the Christmas season as a special symbolic replacement for the actual log.
Christmas 2023 is approaching; have you learned how to decorate the Christmas tree? Let’s check out the decorating guide we provide.
