Christmas Customs
1. Christmas Tree
The origins of the Christmas tree can be traced back to ancient European winter celebrations, particularly in Germanic and Celtic cultures. At that time, people believed that evergreen trees possessed mystical powers to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, thus decorating their homes with them on the winter solstice to symbolize the continuation and rebirth of life. This custom is also related to the celebration of the winter solstice, which marks the end of the shortest day and the imminent return of sunlight; evergreen trees became a symbol of hope and light.
In the Middle Ages, this tradition gradually merged with Christian culture. 16th-century Germany is considered the birthplace of the modern Christmas tree custom. Legend has it that the German religious reformer Martin Luther, while walking on a winter night, was deeply moved by the sight of starlight shining through the branches of a pine tree. He brought this image home and lit candles on the tree, symbolizing the starlight. From then on, the Christmas tree became an important element in Christian celebrations.
Initially, Christmas trees were only popular in Germany and surrounding areas, but later spread to other European countries and the Americas through immigration and cultural exchange. In 19th-century England, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, popularized the custom of decorating Christmas trees, quickly making it an integral part of British families. In America, immigrants brought this tradition, which gradually evolved into the Christmas symbol we know today.
Today, the Christmas tree is not only part of holiday decorations but also carries cultural significance representing reunion, hope, and festive celebration. From early evergreen branches to today's colorful and decorated Christmas trees, this tradition has continuously evolved, yet it always exudes a warm and joyful festive atmosphere.
The Origin of the Christmas Tree - Queen Victoria Queen Victoria and Prince Albert decorating a Christmas tree with their children.
2. Santa Claus
The story of Santa Claus can be traced back to a real historical figure from the 4th century AD-Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was a bishop in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) known for his generosity and good deeds. He often secretly helped those in need, especially providing food and gifts to poor families. Legend has it that he once secretly placed gold coins in the stockings of a poor family, which is one of the origins of the Christmas stocking tradition.
As the story of Saint Nicholas spread widely, he was revered as the patron saint of children and sailors. December 6th-Saint Nicholas Day-has become an important day of celebration in many European countries, where people give small gifts to children.
The Origin of Santa Claus - Bishop Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus delivering gifts to children, 1910 German collage.
During the Reformation in the 16th century, the tradition of Saint Nicholas was reshaped in some regions. For example, the Dutch called him "Saint Nicholas" (Sinterklaas), which is the origin of the name "Santa Claus." Dutch immigrants brought this tradition to the Americas, where it further evolved in 19th-century America.
The modern image of Santa Claus was primarily established by 19th-century American artists. In 1823, the poem "The Eve of Christmas" first depicted a plump, happy old man driving a reindeer-drawn sleigh to deliver gifts to children. Illustrator Thomas Nast later gave Santa Claus the classic red suit and white beard through his drawings, which were further popularized by beverage brand advertisements in the 20th century, eventually becoming the globally recognized image of Santa Claus.
The Origin of Santa Claus: American illustrator Thomas Nast drew "Santa Claus" in 1880. This woodblock print is now courtesy of the Granger Collection.
3. Exchanging Gifts:
The tradition of exchanging gifts can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia. During this winter celebration, people exchanged small gifts, such as candles or pottery, to express friendship and gratitude. This practice later became part of many winter festivals in Europe, representing the spirit of sharing and harmony.
With the spread of Christianity in Europe, the custom of exchanging gifts incorporated religious meaning. In the Bible, the Three Wise Men offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh to celebrate the birth of Jesus, which is considered one of the sacred origins of the gift-giving tradition. These gifts symbolize reverence for Jesus' identity: gold symbolizes royalty, frankincense symbolizes holiness, and myrrh symbolizes suffering.
The Origin of Christmas Gift Exchange The painting *Adoración de los Reyes Magos* by the Greek-Spanish painter El Greco depicts the three wise men from the East offering gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts at the time of Jesus' birth.
This painting is now in the collection of the Sumatran Museum.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons In the Middle Ages, gift-giving gradually evolved into an important Christmas ritual, especially within families and communities. This tradition not only symbolizes God's blessings on humanity but also became an important way for people to express love, gratitude, and blessings.
In modern times, gift exchange has transcended religious boundaries, becoming a globally popular holiday custom. In many countries, regardless of religious belief, people exchange gifts with relatives and friends at Christmas. Gifts range from simple handicrafts to luxurious goods, all conveying love and care. The process of exchanging gifts adds a sense of ritual to the holiday, strengthening the bonds between family members and friends.
4. Christmas Mass
Early Period
The tradition of singing Christmas Mass dates back to early Christianity and is one of the important religious ceremonies commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "Mass" comes from the Latin word "missa," meaning "to send," symbolizing that believers are sent out to spread the gospel after receiving Holy Communion.
Before the 4th century, Christians did not have specific Christmas celebrations. As the Church officially designated December 25th as the birthday of Jesus, this day gradually became one of the most important festivals in the church. To show respect for the birth of Jesus, the Church arranged a special worship service called "Christmas Mass."
Christmas Mass not only includes prayer and Holy Communion but also incorporates a rich musical tradition. In early Christmas Masses, people used hymns and hymns to praise the birth of Jesus, such as the famous Gloria. After the Middle Ages, more works related to the birth of Jesus were composed, such as Silent Night and Joy to the World.
The Middle Ages
The medieval church established the tradition of holding three Masses at Christmas, originating in Rome and later adopted by churches in other regions, gradually becoming a tradition. Each Mass symbolizes a different stage of Jesus' coming:
Midnight Mass: Symbolizes Jesus' coming from darkness, bringing light.
Dawn Mass: Symbolizes the shepherds hearing the news of the Savior's birth immediately.
Day Mass: Celebrates the redemption of all humanity through Jesus' birth.
Modern Christmas Mass
Today, Christmas Mass remains an important event for Catholics and Orthodox Christians. In many countries, churches hold grand Midnight Masses on Christmas Eve, attracting large numbers of believers and tourists. The Christmas carols sung during Mass are not only a religious expression but also an important cultural element of Christmas celebrations.
For Protestants, although they also celebrate Christmas, they do not use the term "Mass" because "Mass" usually refers to the Catholic Eucharist. In Protestant churches, Christmas celebrations are typically conducted through the Eucharist, a ceremony that differs from the Catholic Mass. Protestant communion rites are simplified, typically including prayer, Bible readings, hymns, and the sharing of bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus.
Christmas Mass
The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, which constitute the majority of Christians, hold large-scale Christmas Masses every Christmas.
5. The Advent
The Advent is an important festival in Christian tradition, originating in the medieval Western church, and celebrated particularly in Catholicism and some Protestant denominations. This festival usually begins four weeks before Christmas to commemorate the coming of Jesus Christ and to prepare for Christmas.
The word Advent comes from the Latin word Adventus, meaning coming or arriving, referring to the birth of Jesus Christ, the momentous event of God's coming to earth. Initially, it was to help believers prepare spiritually for the birth of Jesus, symbolizing their anticipation of Christ's second coming. Over time, the Advent has evolved into a joyous festival, focusing on the anticipation and celebration of Jesus' birth, symbolizing hope, light, and the arrival of hope, and is an important symbol in Christian doctrine.
Caroling During caroling season, many churches hold special services and light "caroling candles" in commemoration. Usually, four candles are lit, each representing a week, with the gradually burning candles symbolizing the waiting process and the joy of finally welcoming Jesus' birth. In addition, believers sing Christmas carols and hymns, including classic Christmas carols such as "Silent Night" and "Holy Night," to express their joy and gratitude for the birth of Jesus.