Why is it customary in many countries to make Christmas cookies? Why are the decorated spruce and Santa Claus (Santa Claus, Pierre Noel) the main symbols of the celebration? In this article, we have collected together 10 of the most unusual traditions. Each story is designed to surprise, inspire and inspire!
1. Birthday of Jesus
Why in a country as big as Russia do some celebrate Christmas on December 25, while others - on January 7? In fact, the dates chosen are still a mystery, because the Bible does not indicate the exact date when Jesus was born. The early Christians debated this issue for centuries.
At first, they thought that the significant event took place on January 6, because April 6 was considered the day of Jesus' death. And, accordingly, Christians believed that the prophet died on the same date as his birth. But in the 4th century AD, they changed their minds and began to celebrate the holiday on December 25th. Some believe that this new date was deliberately chosen to distract attention from the pagan ritual of the winter solstice, which was held on the same day. Others, on the other hand, sincerely believe that December 25 is the real birthday of Christ. Still others are sure that the correct date is January 7th.
2. Christmas cookies
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You may doubt the reality of the Bible stories, but one thing is for sure: people have always celebrated winter events with good food. Our distant ancestors gathered around a huge bonfire, which was built in honor of the winter solstice. And besides, the wine and beer, which had been infused since spring, were finally ready to drink.
Christmas has replaced these festivals back in the Middle Ages, but people continue to feast, adding unusual desserts to the menu. Bakeries have kept such expensive ingredients as butter or sugar for a long time. They made fragrant buns without fear of experimenting and surprising family and friends. This is how the aromatic cookies with cinnamon, nutmeg and even ginger appeared. And later, glaze came to the life of culinary specialists, which decorates thousands of desserts today.
3. Elegant Christmas tree
Evergreen fir trees are a versatile winter decoration. In paganism, it was believed that conifers, which do not lose their green color even in a cold winter, remind of spring. The Romans worshiped Saturn, the God of agriculture, and therefore placed this tree around their temples.
It is believed that the founders of this tradition were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. They set up a huge tree in their palace and then ordered the servants to dress it up. After a while, cards and paintings began to appear depicting a crowned family sitting at the foot of a fluffy evergreen tree.
4. Story about garlands
Martin Luther said that he was the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with bright lights. Legend has it that a Christian theologian walked through the forest on a dark night. Then he noticed how beautiful stars shine through the trees. Arriving home, Martin Luther tried to recreate what he saw in the forest. For this, the theologian placed a Christmas tree in the living room and neatly fixed the lighted candles on the branches.
5. Why do we make snowmen
In 1380, the first snowman was born. It is possible that strange figures were sculpted from snow before, but it was in the 14th century that this fact was documented. Snowmen were especially popular in the Middle Ages, when many lacked their own means for artistic expression.
Therefore, instead of trying to find at least some materials, people paid attention to the snow. Even Michelangelo built a snowman for the ruler of Florence, of course, by order. But not all snow items looked happy and cheerful. Some of the snowmen played the role of rebels and warriors.
6. Everyone's favorite eggnog
Eggnog doesn't seem like a particularly elite drink, but it is loved all over the world. English aristocrats invented a creamy winter drink with brandy and sherry to keep it in the pantry longer and not go bad.
Why did aristocrats add alcohol? Because all the ingredients were very expensive, and only wealthy people could afford to drink such a cocktail. Of course, anyone can make a mogul today using egg yolks. When the drink first appeared in the American colonies (1700), liqueur and rum were used instead of brandy.
7. Milk and cookies for Santa Claus (Santa Claus)
This tradition has not changed since it began in medieval Germany. On Christmas Day, children who wanted gifts had to leave some food and water on the fireplace for Santa Claus. Now this tradition has been adopted by the inhabitants of the CIS countries.
It began during the Great Depression. Back then, parents used this tradition as a way to teach their children that even when money was tight, they still needed to be considerate of others and show gratitude for the blessings in their lives.
8. Kisses under the mistletoe
This tradition can be seen in American films. Couples must kiss if they stand under the mistletoe wreath.
According to legend, the gods used mistletoe to resurrect Odin's son Balder from the dead. His mother Frigga (also a goddess) made the plant a symbol of love and ordered to kiss everyone who passed under it. In 18th century England, men were allowed to kiss any woman under the mistletoe. And if the ladies refused, then bad luck awaited them in their personal lives.
9. Carols, carols
When Christians began replacing pagan winter holidays with Christmas, bishops across Europe asked people to sing specific songs. Many composers strove to create their own melodies, but since they were always in Latin, such songs were not very popular.
In 1233, Saint Francis of Assisi created a theatrical performance - nativity scenes, which included chants telling the story of the birth of Christ. These songs were usually in all languages for the audience to understand and sing along with everyone.
10. Why do we hang stockings
According to legend, Saint Nicholas heard about a widower who was worried about his three daughters. Because of their poverty, girls would not be able to find suitors for themselves. Then Saint Nicholas came to the widower's house through the chimney.
He saw that his daughters' stockings were drying on the fireplace. Then Saint Nicholas filled them with gold coins and disappeared. When the girls woke up the next morning, they realized that now everything would work out in their family.
Rita Lucky