We've talked about Christmas traditions and how their unchanging nature gives us comfort. One of the things about traditions though is that very few people stop to ask why they exist. Here are 5 Christmas traditions that are so strange that we have to ask why:
1) Christmas Pickle
Pickle ornaments have been around since the 1880's but the story surrounding the origin of the pickle is unclear. It is believed by some that it began in Germany. Families would place a pickle, later a pickle ornament, in their Christmas tree and the first child to find the pickle would receive a special present. However, very few Germans believe this origin story to be accurate. Another story features a starving POW of the American Civil War. He begged his captors for a pickle before he died. He was given one and found the strength to hold on until the end of the war. After returning to his family he made it a tradition to place a pickle in the Christmas tree as a reminder of what got him through the war. Again not much weight is given to this myth but the pickle tradition lives on none the less.
2) Mistletoe
We all know about the plant that is hung over a doorway that prompts couples to kiss underneath it. Creepy right? Why do people do this?
Originally Mistletoe was held in high respect by the Druids. They would hang it in their houses to bring luck and keep evil spirits away. In Norse mythology it was a sign of love and friendship. This is where the tradition of kissing under a sprig of this plant came from. Brought to England by invaders, Mistletoe became customary in homes across the country during the winter holidays and later, with the spreading of Christianity, it joined the Christmas decor.
3) Yule Log
A favorite of anyone with a fireplace, the yule log is another Nordic tradition that has lasted through the ages. In the beginning, an entire tree was burned during the Winter Solstice. The remains of the log from the previous year was used to light the new tree. The tree was burned over twelve days later playing into the creation of the 12 Days of Christmas. It seems each European country prefers their own species of tree and burning rituals The ashes of the burned up log are to be kept and spread in flower beds to ensure healthy plants. It is very unlucky to throw out the ashes when the twelve days are up.
4) Wreaths
Hundreds of doors around the country have circles of evergreen sprigs, holly, burlap or other various Christmas ornaments hanging on them. Why? Who was it who looked at their Christmas tree and thought "No, there is not enough evergreen in my house. I need more!"?
Wreaths also came out of the Winter Solstice-Christmas cross over as Europe was Christianized. Evergreen was paired with candles to celebrate the anticipation of Spring and the rebirth of nature, while the circle shape was to represent eternity. Nowadays it represents a welcoming and generous atmosphere.
5) Advent Wreath/Candles
This is one tradition that I am more familiar with. The Advent Wreath tradition began during the time of the Reformation and is used to symbolize the coming of Jesus. The four candles are placed in a circle and each represents a virtue that Christ brings: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. One candle is lit each Sunday in the month leading up to Christmas. At the center of the wreath is the Christ candle that is lit on Christmas Eve.
I hope this has solved some of your Christmas mysteries.
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