HOLIDAY TRADITIONS | ORIGINS
Cherished holiday traditions return year after year, but what are their true origins?
Today, we closely associate the season with twinkling trees, hanging stockings, mistletoe and carol singing. But how did these customs originally get started? This look back puts the holidays in a historical context:
TREE DECORATING
Historians say the custom of decorating Christmas trees gained widespread popularity in 1846 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were photographed with their family tree for the London News. Prior to this, German Lutherans had been associated with the tradition since the 17th century, with evidence of Christmas trees appearing in Pennsylvania as early as 1820. An evergreen tree, the favorite choice among many, is said to symbolize good fortune by maintaining its vibrant greenery throughout the winter season.
SINGING CAROLS
The practice of singing religious carols in groups can be traced back to medieval times, as neighbors visited one another’s homes to extend wishes of health and prosperity. The songs didn’t begin to take on a Christmas theme in America until the 1800s. The early 1900s witnessed a significant rise in caroling in major U.S. cities, and the publication of commercial songbooks followed. That spread the new tradition far and wide. These festive gatherings originally served a charitable purpose, often raising funds for children’s charities.
STOCKINGS ON FIREPLACE
The tradition of hanging stockings above the fireplace can be traced back to the 1823 poem ‘Visit from St. Nicholas’ by Clement Clark. A wellknown line states: “And filled all the stockings then turned with a jerk, and laying his finger aside of his nose and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.” This excerpt apparently inspired children to eagerly hang their stockings on Christmas Eve, anticipating that St.
Nicholas would fill them with gifts and treats.
UNDER THE MISTLETOE Kissing under a mistletoe has roots that extend back several millennia. The Celtic Druids held the mistletoe plant in high regard, believing it possessed sacred powers to heal ailments and could even predict future events. Over time, this reverence evolved into a Christmas tradition, as the plant was harvested during summer and often adorned homes during the holiday season. The custom of kissing beneath the mistletoe was originally noted in ancient Greece, where it was celebrated during the festival of Saturnalia and later incorporated into wedding ceremonies.
