Christmas Magic: The History and Traditions of the Holiday
History, Traditions, Customs, Symbols, and Folklore
QuestMagazine.com
Posted: December 2, 2004
Updated: January 9, 2011
Christmas is the annual holiday of Christianity that commemorates the birth of Jesus. It is primarily observed in the Western world on December 25. In America it is celebrated in both religious and secular ways. Christmas Eve is also celebrated.
Christmas traditions and customs range from religious symbols to the legends of Santa Claus. Their origins and history are both Christian and pagan. They encompass Christmas folklore, legends, family practices, interior and exterior displays, and perennial television shows and movies. Many American Christmas traditions originated as German Christmas traditions.
Christmas Tree
The history of the Christmas tree has its roots in pagan Germany. Religious rites were held in the forests and trees were decorated with candles. The oak was sacred to the ancient Germans, in particular to the god Odin, so it was often the oaks that were lit and not the pines. The use of evergreens can be traced back to the 8th century, which is when St. Boniface engaged in the common practice of adopting local pagan customs to help Christianize the indigenous peoples. He substituted the fir tree (Tannenbaum) for the oak of Odin and then he dedicated it to Christ, making it the Christbaum. The creation of the modern Christmas tree is often attributed to the founder of the Lutheran movement, Martin Luther (1483-1546). This is questionable but there are "Tannenbaum" songs that date back to the middle of the 16th century. By the 19th century the Christmas tree had become popular in Europe and America, having been introduced by German immigrants.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus also has connections to Germany. When Germany was being Christianized in the early Middle Ages, St. Nicholas, a 4th century bishop of Asia Minor, became popular there. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children and his feast day is December 6th. Gradually a custom grew up where on the eve of St. Nicholas' feast day children would place their shoes or boots out for St. Nicholas to fill with candy and fruit, with the bad children getting twigs. St. Nicholas carried with him a book of sins with which he determined whether the child warranted the goodies or the twigs. Historically, St. Nicholas rode a white horse and he traveled with a dark-faced companion. The most common one was called Knecht Ruprecht. After the Protestant Reformation in Germany, German authorities wanted to do away with the image of a Catholic saint distributing gifts, so the idea of Santa Claus was born. Also created were the white beard, red suit, and sleigh. He became known by several names in different parts of Germany. These include Klaasbuur, Rauklas, Bullerklaas, and Sunnercla. In the eastern part of Germany, he is Ash Man, Shaggy Goat, or Rider. The American "Kris Kringle" is a corruption of the German term Christkindl ("Christ Child").
Red and Green and their Symbolism
Red and green are the traditional Christmas colors. Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus from his crucifixion, which Christians believe he shed for people's salvation. Green symbolizes eternal life because of the pine tree, which, as an evergreen, does not lose its leaves in the winter. The following Christmas symbols embody one or both of these colors.
- Christmas Tree - Green and often with some red lights and ornaments
- Christmas Wreath - Green and sometimes with red
- Father Christmas - Shown in red or green attire or both
- Holly - Red berries and green leaves
- Poinsettia - Green and usually with red
- Saint Nicholas - Often shown in red vestments and is an inspiration for Santa Claus and Father Christmas
- Santa Claus - Wears a red suit
- Yule Log - Red is the symbol of fire
Nativity Scene
A Nativity Scene, also called a crèche (meaning crib in French), refers to a depiction of the birthplace of Jesus. At the very least it includes the figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, as well as the manger.
Christmas Gift
In the United States, children receive most of their Christmas gifts from Santa Claus. Christmas presents are usually opened on Christmas Day but some people open their gifts on Christmas Eve.
Additional Traditions
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
- Christmas Gingerbread House
- Christmas Yard Decoration
- Driving to View Christmas Decorations
- Opening One Gift on Christmas Eve
Television Specials and Movies
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- A Christmas Carol (1951 movie)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
- The Year Without a Santa Claus
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About the Author
Hal Siemer is a historian, folklorist, writer, and the Editor of Quest Magazine. He has done extensive research on the Knights Templar, Freemasonry, ancient mysteries, Halloween, and Christmas.
He frequently is a guest on radio talk shows. His writing has also appeared in the Dallas Morning News, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Austin Review, and other newspapers.
Hal Siemer's Professional Society Memberships
- American Anthropological Association
- American Folklore Society
- Society for the Anthropology of Religion
- Medieval Academy of America
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