Christmas Origins and Folklore

The Christian church identified the date as 25 December in AD 440, the date then of the winter solstice. From the twelfth-century, in ancient Britain, the Anglo-Saxon's year changed to begin at this time. It was only with the advent of the Gregorian calendar in 1752 that the date of the new year began on 25 March.

'Saturnalia' was a Roman festival that ran through December and finished on 25 December. This festival was enjoyed by masters and servants alike, when each swapped roles for a period when just about anything could happen. At this time the temples would be decorated with greenery, and perhaps this one reason why the 'holly' or 'holy-tree' and the ivy remain as two popular evergreen decorations. The Saxons were known for using holly and ivy, whilst the former Druids were known to use 'mistletoe' (See Mystical WWW Plants) in the celebrations. It is thought that many of the customs associated with these festivals have lingered on and have been absorbed albeit unknowingly at times into modern celebrations. Not approved of by the church but enjoyed by the parishioners for example since the Middle Ages, is the 'Lord of Misrule' role that has been a common sight at English (UK) Folk Festivals and also in traditional 'Mumming Plays' at this time, being allowed to manage situations of those around him, including the boss or master. The central theme of the plays focused on the eternal conflicts between light and dark, good and evil, themes again central to the ancient and modern Christmas festival.

Songs and carols became popular in the 1500's, the earliest known being an English collection published in 1521. The custom of processing door-to-door singing carols is associated with collecting money for the needy and 'Christmas Box' (See Mystical WWW Christmas Box). Originally groups would sing 'Wassailing' songs for food, drink or money. The term 'Wassail' actually means to 'be of good cheer' and is on Olde English word. The 'Wassail Cup' was a highly decorated cup full of mulled ale used to toast the health and prosperity of friends and relatives at the Christmas Feast. Sometimes people would pay a few pennies to drink from the cup with the money given to the alms Christmas Box. This was also a popular activity on New Year's Eve. (See also Mystical-WWW Apple Tree)

Today 'Yule Logs' and 'Yule Candles' are a familiar part of the decorations. These decorations are associated with the ancient rites of the Norse Yule sun festival. The candles and logs are symbolic of the sun festival and of the fire and light that emanates from the sun itself, whilst also indicating thanks for the gifts given by the sun all year round. After the shortest day, December 21, the festival looks forward to the rebirth of the sun.

A Christmas Day that has a full moon is said to be a time when seeing fairies is possible according to folklore. Those hoping to see the spirits of the garden and woods which represent life should look between twilight and midnight.

December 24, Christmas Eve has long been associated with Adam and Eve. Adam is said to have taken a cutting of the sacred 'Tree of Knowledge' from the Garden of Eden in Paradise (See Mystical WWW Mystical Trees). Some believe that this is the tree from which the wood was taken to make the Cross that was used for Christ's crucifixion, which is also remembered at this time.

Many people believe in Father Christmas, or Santa Claus. Father Christmas is associated with St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. The current Father Christmas figure, silver-bearded and clad in red and white, was introduced around the mid-eighteenth century. One very popular tradition that is still common place is to hang stockings out on Christmas Eve. The feast of St. Nicholas, 6 December, is often forgotten, perhaps because it is as Santa Claus or Father Christmas that we know St. Nicholas. In Britain and America St. Nicholas day has merged with Christmas Day and so presents are given on this day. In many Catholic countries children still hand up their stocking on St. Nicholas Eve. In Germany many children are luckier still receiving presents on both dates.

'First Footing' is a long held tradition that is said to ensure that good fortune will be brought into the house on Christmas morning, or more usually on New Year's Eve. One tradition says that a dark man , who should be an uninvited stranger should enter the house after midnight. He, the 'First Footer', should enter the house carrying a piece of coal, a slice of bread, a pinch of salt and an evergreen. Try and avoid a strange woman, or someone with red hair, or someone with cross-eyes or flat feet entering the house for the first time on Christmas morning or New Year's Eve as traditionally it is said that disaster will strike and misfortune will stay throughout the year! If you are in the mood for cleaning on New Year's Day it is said to be disastrous to do this before midday or you will sweep out your quota of good luck for the year.

Take something out of the house on Christmas morning before something is brought in to encourage prosperity and health throughout the next year.

A white Christmas is still very popular although apart from the aesthetic reasons the reason why is lost. It is thought that this is because traditionally snow falling is said to indicate that there will be fewer deaths in the following year.

An Olde English (UK) custom says that a loaf of bread baked this night has all kinds of curative powers. It is also said that animals have the power of speech on Christmas Eve, and that bees will hum the Hundredth Psalm at midnight. (More about Bees)

CHRISTMAS TREE
Along with other trees, the Christmas Tree is known as a 'Wishing Tree' (See Mystical WWW Mystical Trees) due to its associations with religion and faith.

The Christmas Tree is known to have developed in its current form from Germany at the beginning of the nineteenth-century, but it is known to have been a part of the Roman saturnalia festival.

The 'Ash Yggdrasil' (See Mystical WWW Mystical Trees) according to Scandinavian tradition, is decorated with baubles to commemorate that the squirrel, the stage and the eagle lived in this tree. This tree is known as a 'Cosmogonic Tree', (See Mystical WWW Mystical Trees) and perhaps this is why the tradition of having a tree at Christmas is still common to remind us of these associations.

In Burmah, it is believed that a similar tree grew in the heaven of the 'Nats' according to mythology. Today this is commemorated by making one from bamboo or silver called the 'Padaythabin'. It is hung with presents and traditionally carried in Buddhist processions. The Padaythabin is said to produce whatever is wanted, even coins and silver jewellery. All you have to do is wish. At the bottom of the tree more practical items are placed and distributed. After the festival and procession the tree is given to the Buddhist monastery.

Candles are really a Christian adornment of the Christmas Tree. They are associated with the Norse Yule sun festival when candles also symbolised lighting for the woodland spirits which inhabit trees. This time of year was seen in Pagan times as one to honour the woodland spirits, and dressing the tree with ribbons and brightly coloured objects showed respect for them. These spirits were believed to inhabit Christmas Trees too when all the other trees of the woodland had lost their leaves in the fall. A well-dressed tree is reputed to bring good fortune to the household.

Early Christianity referred to evergreen decorations, and particularly the holly or 'holy-tree' as being the 'righteous branch'.

'The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee; the fir-tree, the pine-tree, and the box together to beautify the place of my sanctuary.'

Isiah ix, 13.

The evergreen tree is a symbol of everlasting life. Legend says that in the eighth-century, St. Boniface, on a mission to Germany, came across a group of Pagans worshipping an Oak tree and about to sacrifice the life of a small child. Heroically, St. Boniface leapt to the child's rescue, grabbed the sacrificial axe and chopped down the Oak tree. The life of the child was saved, and bending down to pick up the child noticed a tiny Spruce tree growing between the roots of the Oak. As a symbol of new life, the tree soon became linked with Christmas, and the Christian defeat of paganism.

Prince Albert, of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of Queen Victoria, is thought to have been responsible for introducing the idea of the Christmas tree to the British public in around 1840. Each year a large tree is placed in Trafalgar Square and an annual gathering occurs to celebrate the switching on of the lights.

St. Barbara's Day
It is said that St. Barbara was executed for her strong belief in Christianity, and December 4 is dedicated in her honour. She is the patron saint of miners, who have traditionally burned a light in the mines in her memory which is said to protect them. On this day 'Barbara Twigs' are cut which usually bloom in time for Christmas.

St. Lucia's Day
Celebrated in Sweden, the focus of the celebrations focus on the returning of the strength of the sun. A 'Lucia Queen' is selected in each village. She wears a crown of lighted candles and carries a tray of food and drink to each house, followed by a procession of candle bearers. These celebrations are in keeping with the traditional Norse Yule sun festival origins.

St. Thomas's Day
21 December, a day when one traditional custom was for poorer people to knock on the doors of the richer households in the district to beg flour to make bread and cakes for Christmas. (See Mystical WWW Christmas Love).

Christmas Cards
The tradition of sending cards started in England (UK). People used to exchange letters at Christmas and tradesmen would call bearing business cards with a view to later collecting the 'Christmas Box' (See Mystical WWW Christmas Box).

The first Christmas card to be specifically designed and sent is believed to have been by WCT Dobson, RA, in 1844. The first commercially produced card in small numbers was attempted by writer and art critic Sir Henry Cole, and JC Horsley in 1846. This card caused quite a bit of controversy at the time. The card depicted a jovial family group enjoying the festive activities with a glass of wine. Temperance followers believed that the scene Despite such early responses large scale production of Christmas cards really started in 1870 by Tucks art printers. The introduction of colour and embossed printing techniques meant that the cards became extremely elaborate, which was seen as a sign of the printers skill and also the wealth of the owner.

In Southern Europe cards were also sent at New Year. Today most cards include greetings for both Christmas and New Year.

Christmas Crackers
Each year brightly coloured crackers are a familiar sight placed on the table or in the Christmas Tree usually containing a little trinket, a humorous limerick and of course the obligatory party hat.

Christmas crackers originated in the London (UK) confectionery trade in Victorian times. The generally accepted inventor was Tom Smith, a London born baker and confectioner. He was the founder of the group of the same name that today still claims to be the largest cracker manufacturer in the world.

He is said to have had the idea when on holiday in France, seeing sugar coloured almonds wrapped in twists of coloured tissue paper. On his return to England Tom Smith introduced the idea to his shop and sales boomed during the Christmas period but sales dropped once the festive season was over. Tom Smith then included little love mottoes but sales did not really increase.

Gazing upon a smouldering fire Tom Smith continued to ponder on how he could increase the sales. As he put another log on the fire a sputtering and crackling occurred...the next brilliant idea was born...to make a wrapping in the shape of a log, with a sweet and motto inside that opened with a bang. The Christmas cracker as we know it was designed.

Hats were included but rather than the typical crowns we see today, the traditional hats were rather more flamboyant including sheikh wraps and fezzes. These were made by milliners in the best quality paper. The original crackers were very ornate and reflected the tastes of time. Special ones were made for particular occasion such as weddings with white lace, Wedgwood ones, Coronation crackers, and even Prince of Wales crackers with crest feathers. An 18 ft long cracker was made for the Royal family with presents for all the guests.

Christmas Box
Today the 26 December, St. Stephen's Day, is known almost universally as Boxing Day and has its roots in the Christian church. Traditionally an offering box was placed in the church which remained unopened all year round. The box was opened on Christmas Day, and the contents distributed by the priests. The contents was called the 'dole of the Christmas box' or 'box money'. The actual money itself is the Christmas Box.

The term Christmas Box also refers to the actual box owned by apprentices which was taken to customers of the owners or masters' business at this time in the hope of receiving some small gift in appreciation of their work.

Until just after World War II postmen in England (UK) received a Christmas Box from the employer. Many tradesmen, dustcart loaders and delivery people who do not receive Christmas Box gratuities from employers still call at this time year in the hope of receiving a little tip from a grateful customer.

Mistletoe
(See Mystical WWW Plants)

Holly
(See Mystical WWW Plants)

Christmas Pudding
A traditional serving at the main meal of the Christmas Day celebrations, and similar to the plum porridge dish known to many generations. It was introduced as a recipe in around 1670. There are said to be certain points to remembered though when making it. All those taking part in making the pudding will be fortunate during the next twelve months. When stirring the mixture, all those should make a wish. If the wish is kept a secret the wish should come true. The pudding should be stirred clockwise (east-to-west). This custom is said to date back to when the Sun God was worshipped during the Norse and Druid celebrations at this time of year, and indicates that respect is shown.

Brandy is often poured over the pudding and then set alight. The flame is a reflection of the ancient Yule celebrations.

Adding small items, coins or charms to the mixture is thought to bring good luck to anyone who is fortunate enough to find one in a serving.

Mince Pies
Before the introduction of the Christmas Pudding came the Mince Pie in the mid-1500's.

It has been traditional to eat a pie each day for the Twelve Days of Christmas. This was said to ensure that the following twelve months would be happy. In the South of England it was thought best to eat each pie in a different house.

The first Mince Pies were oblong in shape and known to have been made in Roman times. These lucky morsels were later adopted by the Christian festival. The shape of the pie traditionally was said to reflect the shape of the Christ's cradle, and it had no pastry top.

Meat
Traditionally goose or beef was the meat of the Christmas platter until the mid-1500's when the turkey was introduced. In especially wealthy homes wild boar was eaten. It is believed that boar was eaten as it had associations with the Norse Yule sun festival for which the boar is considered to be a sacred animal.

Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night, January 6, The Epiphany, is the traditional date for the Old Christmas Day, and seen as the time by which all decorations, including holly and mistletoe should be removed for the new year to begin happily and to avoid misfortune. This is the official end of Christmas The evergreens used should be burnt rather than simply destroyed according to one belief. If it not possible to burn the evergreens on this day, burning them on 'Candlemas' will provide the opportunity to avoid unhappiness.

In earlier times though the decorations would have been left up until 'Candlemas', 2 February. This festival was established in the 5th-century date was traditionally seen by the church as a day of celebrations for the 'Purification of the Virgin Mary'. Women who had become mothers or borne children during the previous year were honoured on this day and went to a special service at the church, carrying candles on this day. This Christian festival replaced the Roman festival of 'Februa' for which women processed through the streets on this day, again carrying lighted candles, symbolising the purification of all. The day was spent by women completing religious rites connected with purifying the body and mind.

The 'Twelfth Night Cake' is a little seen sight in today's festivities, but traditionally this cake was part of the Christmas customs. Each family would have had a cake. Within the cake a dried bean and a dried pea were placed. If you were lucky enough to find either you would be elected King and Queen of the evening celebrations. The bean was intended for the male, the pea for the female.

In medieval England, and even up until Victorian times, Twelfth Night was a time of parties and games. Traditionally the King and Queen chosen from the gathering were treated to a night of good cheer and the chance to make decisions on the revelries for the night.

Christmas Love
This is a time of year when many traditions are associated with positive energies, the beginning of friendships and the chance to start afresh. Love is one of the emotions that is sure to blossom at this happy time.

It is said that if a girl is hoping to discover the identity of her future husband by walking backwards towards a pear tree will be the first step to her happiness. She must then continue to walk around it backwards nine times. The girl will then see the image of her future partner appear before her.

Tapping on the roof of a hen coup and then listening to the sound that comes from within is said to reveal whether a girl will marry that year; if the cockerel crows she will marry within the next year, but if the hen replies the girl will have to be a little bit more patient.

By throwing twelve sage leaves up into the air, that have been collected on Christmas Eve, a woman will see the image of her future partner.

If a girl wishes to know the identity of her future husband it is said that to sleep with her feet on the pillow on St. Thomas's Night, 21 December, will ensure that she will dream of him.

For those who want to know whether a love already shared will continue to grow and be a true love, action is required earlier in the year. A rose should be plucked on Midsummer Day, June 21, and then gently wrapped in tissue paper. If the rose is still fresh on Christmas Eve the love that the person has for a partner will remain as fresh as the rose itself, and it will be reciprocated.

This feature was brought to you by Mystical World Wide Web Festive Greetings

Back 2 Mystical Grid