As the year draws to a close, millions of people around the world eagerly await the joy and sparkle of Christmas. From twinkling lights and festive meals to music, jokes, and gifts, the holiday season brings excitement to all ages. But how much do you know about the history and traditions behind this merry time of year? Let’s explore ten fun facts about Christmas!
Note: This article is part of our archival content and belongs to a previous phase of our publication. Amaranth Magazine is now a dedicated literary magazine.
1. The Birth of Jesus Christ
Christmas, in essence, is a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the son of God. While it’s widely celebrated on December 25th, the exact date of Jesus’ birth remains unknown. This date was chosen by the Roman Catholic Church and has been a long-standing tradition.
2. Different Dates for Christmas
While December 25th is the universally recognized date for Christmas, some Orthodox Christians, especially in Russia, Ukraine, and Romania, celebrate on January 7th. This is because there is a variation in the liturgical calendars followed by different Christian denominations.
3. The Origins of ‘Xmas’
You’ve likely seen the abbreviation “Xmas,” but did you know it’s been around since the 16th century? The “X” comes from the Greek letter “Chi,” the first letter in “Christos” (Χριστός), the Greek word for Christ. It’s not a modern shortcut, but a historical abbreviation for “Christmas.”
4. Victorian Christmas Traditions
Many of our most popular Christmas traditions today were popularized during this period: sending cards, giving gifts, eating roast turkey, for example. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert also made sure that the way we celebrate today is full of cheer, bringing it right into the heart of British homes.
5. Christmas Tree Tradition
While the Christmas tree became popular in Victorian Britain, the tradition of decorating evergreen trees actually originated in 16th century Germany. As time went on, these trees gradually developed into the ornamental trees that are associated with Christmas today, replete with ornaments, lights, and tinsel.
6. The Gift of a Giant Christmas Tree
Each year, Norway gives the United Kingdom a magnificent Christmas tree in thanks for the UK’s help in looking after it during World War II. The 20-metre tall tree sits in London’s Trafalgar Square, forming a centerpiece displaying international friendship and goodwill.
7. Santa Claus: A Name with History
Santa Claus is a name we all know well, but do you know where it actually came from? It’s derived from “Sinterklaas,” the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas. A 4th-century bishop with a reputation for gift-giving, St. Nicholas eventually became the patron saint of children and ultimately morphed into the fat, bearded man known as Santa Claus.
8. International Christmas Characters
Santa isn’t the only Christmas figure around the world. In Italy, children eagerly await La Befana, a kind witch who flies around delivering gifts on her broomstick. Meanwhile, in Iceland, children leave shoes out for the Yule Lads, 13 mischievous trolls who either reward good behavior with sweets or punish bad behavior with a rotten potato.
9. The Surprising Origin of ‘Jingle Bells’
We’ve all heard the jovial melody of “Jingle Bells,” but few of us know that it wasn’t actually a Christmas song. Written in 1850 under the title \”One Horse Open Sleigh,” it was designed for Thanksgiving celebrations in America. It didn’t relate to Christmas until much later.
10. Christmas Was Once Illegal
Can you imagine a world without Christmas? In 1644, Puritan leaders in England and the American colonies banned Christmas celebrations, believing that the holiday’s religious meaning had been lost. Fortunately, the ban was lifted nearly 20 years later, and Christmas celebrations resumed.
The Legend of Santa Claus: From Saint Nicholas to Kris Kringle
Santa Claus, otherwise known as Saint Nicholas or Kris Kringle, has quite the history. This legend goes all the way back to the 3rd century, to a monk named Saint Nicholas, born in modern-day Turkey, who was known for his generosity. Among the famous acts he was known to perform was saving three sisters from slavery by giving them dowries so that they could marry. For such reasons, he is considered the patron saint of children. His legend expanded throughout Europe.
The Journey to America
It was not until the late 18th century that the story of Saint Nicholas came to America by way of Dutch immigrants in New York. The name “Santa Claus” came from the Dutch “Sinterklaas,” for Saint Nicholas. This image would later progress as writers such as Washington Irving and cartoonist/illustrator Thomas Nast built upon the mythology and illustration of Santa Claus as the jolly, red-suited man we know today.
Santa’s role in spreading holiday cheer was further popularized by the famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”), written by Clement Clarke Moore. This poem, along with illustrations by Nast, solidified Santa’s image and cemented his place in Christmas folklore.
Over the course of this joyous holiday season, take a few moments to remember the rich history and international traditions that have guided Christmas. Whether with the decoration of a Christmas tree, the gift-giving from Santa, or a special holiday meal, these timeless traditions continue to bring people together year after year.
References:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas
https://www.history.com/topics/christmas
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/history/general-history/facts-about-christmas/
