History of Christmas Traditions in Germany
Christmas has become one of the biggest secular holidays of the year worldwide. Devout Christians and those with only a passing knowledge of the religious core of the holiday all enjoy Dec. 25. Germany is a country that has a rich Christmas--or Weihnachten in German--history that's full of tradition. Many of today's Christmas staples have their beginnings in Germany. Does this Spark an idea?
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O Tannenbaum
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The most easily recognizable symbol of Christmas is the Christmas tree. The very first Christmas tree recorded was in Strasburg, Germany in 1605. The original decorations were far more simple than the ones used today. Paper roses, apples and walnuts were the most common decorations. Lights on a tree (originally candles) are linked to the Protestant reformer Martin Luther who sought to recapture a starry night within his living room.
Advent Wreath
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Today, Advent wreaths (Adventskranz) in Germany generally contain only four candles. Originally they had 24 and served much the same purpose as Advent calendars. Beginning in the 19th century, on Dec. 1, a wreath was put in the family home. This wreath had four large candles and 19 smaller ones. The large candles were meant to represent the four Sundays in Advent. German children lit a candle to help them count down the days remaining until Christmas.
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Advent Calendars
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Like the Advent wreath, Advent calendars (Adventskalender) were a way for German parents to allow their children to be a part of Christmas preparations. In their original form, an advent calendar was simply a chalk line drawn on the wall. The chalk line then became little pictures hung on a wall. During the mid-19th century, Advent calendars in their current form (minus the chocolate) began to be crafted culminating in the first printed calendar in Munich between 1902 and 1908.
Christmas Market
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Christmas shopping is something that people alternatively enjoy and dread. And while sales are the norm during the Christmas season, in Germany entire markets are set up specifically for the Christmas season. They began in Dresden in 1434 when markets were opened the day before Christmas in order to buy meat for the following day's celebration. By 1628 these markets contained far more than simply meat. Local artisans would set up stalls at these Christmas markets, a tradition which continues to this day.
St. Nicholas
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St. Nicholas' Day falls during Advent. Historically, German children would place a shoe in front of their door in which treats would be placed if they'd been good. Bad children would receive a switch. The Dec. 6 holy day interfered with the Protestant Reformation (honoring saints being a purely Catholic belief) begun in Germany by Martin Luther. Over time, St. Nicholas was replaced by Santa Claus or the Christkindl (Christ Child) who comes on the Christmas Eve to deliver presents to good children.
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References
- Photo Credit christmas presents with ornaments series image by dav820 from Fotolia.com
