From all around the globe
Although reindeer-driven sleighs are a common mode of transport dating back centuries, the connection between Santa and his famous reindeer was popularized by an American businessman named Carl J. Lomen.
Back in the 15th century, Queen Elizabeth came up with the idea of having gingerbread cookies made in the shapes of her courtiers and important dignitaries. This is the first historical reference to gingerbread men.
The yule log, or bûche de Noël, is one of the best Christmas desserts around. It's a kind of chocolate Swiss roll made to look like a tree trunk. But why is a log associated with Christmas?
Stars are another common symbol of Christmas, from cookie cutters to the star at the top of the Christmas tree! This is one of the few traditions that is actually connected to the origin story of Christmas: the Nativity.
Bells are a common motif found on Christmas cards and decorations. Their connection with the holiday may come from the bells found on traditional winter sleighs, and the bells rung during Christian mass.
Stories of elves have existed throughout history, but they only became associated with Santa Claus in the 19th century. The famous poem called 'The Night Before Christmas' published in 1823 describes Santa Claus as a "jolly old elf."
The lights on the Christmas tree are what really make it special. Back before the invention of electricity, Christmas trees were decorated with candles instead! This was naturally a serious fire hazard.
For centuries, the symbolic burning of logs was part of a winter solstice festival celebrated by pagans. The burning of the log symbolized the burning away of the past, and was usually accompanied by a feast. As Christianity became the dominant religion, this tradition continued and became associated with Christmas.
To this day, children around the world hang a stocking by the fire, waiting for Santa Claus to magic his way down the chimney and fill it with presents. This habit can be traced back to a story about Saint Nicholas.
Santa Claus as we know him today was inspired by an early Christian saint called Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was known for being extremely generous and was a legendary gift-giver in Christian stories.
The story tells of Saint Nicholas climbing down the chimney of an impoverished family who had fallen on hard times. He found their socks drying in front of the fire and filled them with gold coins.
The Bible says that the Three Wise Men were guided to the birthplace of Jesus by a mystical shining star that appeared in the sky that night.
The cheap tinsel now used to decorate Christmas trees was once a sign of wealth and status. The tradition began in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1610. Those who could afford it would decorate their trees with thin strips of silver to reflect the candlelight.
It seems that gingerbread is an ancient treat. The first known recipes can be traced back to Ancient Greece! That being said, gingerbread men are a more recent tradition. Queen Elizabeth I is credited with their invention.
Mistletoe is a poisonous and parasitic plant, but for some reason it was long associated with fertility across Ancient Europe.
Holly is a traditional winter plant that has also become a common motif in Christmas decorations. Similar to the wreaths, these evergreen plants symbolized rebirth to the pagans and their use was carried over into Christian traditions.
Sources: (History) (BBC) (PBS) (Ranker)
Lomen had seen reindeer meat successfully introduced to Alaska as a new food product. He wanted to grow the market and thought that using Santa Claus as advertising for his reindeer meat would do the trick!
In ancient times, wreaths were a symbol of triumph and victory. Laurel wreaths were sometimes worn by the rulers in Ancient Greece and Rome.
The first versions of advent calendars were created by a German publisher in 1903. They were printed and given to children as a way to count down to Christmas. Each window opened to reveal a Bible passage or poem. Within a few decades, they had adapted to more secular prizes like chocolates!
In many countries, children leave out a treat for Santa Claus, and perhaps a carrot for Rudolph, to enjoy when they visit their home on Christmas night. This tradition dates back to Norse mythology. Children would leave out a snack for Odin's eight-legged horse named Sleipner. They hoped this would make Odin stop at their house on his travels and leave gifts in return for the offering.
As with many Christmas traditions, the first Christmas trees were found in Germany. Evergreen trees held special meaning throughout history, but devout German Christians were the first to decorate trees in their homes. It's thought that Martin Luther may have been the first person to decorate a tree with candlelight, after being inspired by the stars twinkling among the evergreen trees one night.
Druids used mistletoe in winter festivals. The plant became associated with Frigga in Norse mythology, who was the goddess of beauty, love, and marriage. No wonder we now kiss under the mistletoe!
Wreaths are one of the most common and traditional symbols of Christmas. Plant wreaths have had meaning throughout history. Since the 16th century, evergreen wreaths have symbolized rebirth. The circular shape indicates divine perfection in Christianity.
The red Poinsettia flowers that are commonly seen around Christmastime have a basis in Mexican folklore. The story goes that a young girl had no money to buy an offering to leave by the statue of the baby Jesus at church. She picked a handful of weeds, but when she laid them down at the Nativity scene they burst into a bunch of bright red flowers.
In another commercial twist, the traditional Christmas color scheme was also created by big business. Red has been associated with Christmas for a long time, but the red and green combo was given to us by none other than Coca-Cola.
His feast day falls on December 6, close to Christmas, and his legend became entangled with Christmas and the spirit of giving.
Christmas is a time of celebration that places great value on traditions. Whether they're religious, familial, or other, everyone recognizes the typical symbols and characters like Santa Claus and Rudolph. It's interesting to trace back the origins of some of these customs, as their inceptions aren't as festive as you might imagine! Some were simply part of a clever marketing scheme, and some were downright disturbing.
Click through this gallery to travel through the history of Christmas.
The origins of popular Christmas traditions
Christmas trees, yule logs, tinsel, and more
LIFESTYLE Holidays
Christmas is a time of celebration that places great value on traditions. Whether they're religious, familial, or other, everyone recognizes the typical symbols and characters like Santa Claus and Rudolph. It's interesting to trace back the origins of some of these customs, as their inceptions aren't as festive as you might imagine! Some were simply part of a clever marketing scheme, and some were downright disturbing.
Click through this gallery to travel through the history of Christmas.