Christmas Traditions: A Brief History

By Anagha Singh

Christmas - established to recognize the birth of Christ within the Christian faith - is a vastly celebrated holiday and one of our all-time favorites here at RCHK. From filling in stockings to hosting a Secret Santa with your friend group, the holiday unites many individuals belonging to the RCHK community, with even Hindus and Buddhists embracing Christian culture by enjoying the festive seasons in the month of December. Not only in the RC community but also on a global scale, over 2 billion celebrate the festival.

Over ⅓ of the global population celebrates this holiday reflecting on its significance and diverse audience. Yet many of these individuals may not be aware of its rich history and origins. While the holiday is associated with festive gatherings, the exchange of gifts, and cultural customs, the deeper significance and historical context can often be overlooked. Did you know that 90% of the Christian students interviewed at RCHK said that they were unaware of the historical derivation of various Christmas traditions, all of which celebrate the festival? Most of them were aware of the religious context behind each tradition, but where it derived from and its historical context remains an unknown phenomenon amongst our students. If you are one of them, we aim to change that today.

One of the most beloved traditions is the decoration of the green Christmas trees with festive, colorful lights and ornaments, which goes back to the 16th century! With links to Germany, where citizens would bring evergreen trees into their houses as a symbol of life during snowy winters, the tradition eventually spread throughout Europe and eventually reached America, becoming a central, and vital part of our Christmas celebrations. The ornaments and the lights adorning our trees today symbolize joy and festivity, bringing livelihood and a homely feel during the holiday season.

An additional tradition many of us at RCHK practice with our peers is the exchange of gifts with its roots going back to the biblical Magi (three wise men, figures of the Gospel of Matthew) who brought gifts to the newborn Jesus when visiting him after birth. The exchange of gifts is also believed to be influenced by Nikolaos Myra, a 4th-century saint with a fondness of gift-giving. The practice evolved over time influenced by Roman and pagan customs of gift-exchanging during winter festivals. Today, the exchange of gifts has become a symbol of spreading love and positivity, highlighting the spirit of generosity the festival embodies.

Another popular tradition is the hanging of stockings by the fireplace for Santa to place small toys, candy, or fruits into. The custom is believed to have originated from the legend of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. The story highlights his secret provision of dowries for three underprivileged sisters by dropping golden coins into their stockings which were hung to dry by the fireplace. In modern times, families fill stockings with small gifts and treats to add an element of surprise and anticipation to the Christmas morning for their little ones.

While these traditions remain widely recognized, less-known customs also add depth to the holiday and their roots are extremely interesting to inquire into. For example, in the Catalonia region of Spain, a unique figure known as ‘Cago Tio’ or ‘the pooping log’ is an essential part of the celebration. Families typically decorate a log with a painted face and a hat and place it in their home. On Christmas Eve, the children hit the log with sticks while singing traditional songs, encouraging them to ‘poop’ out gifts and sweets. The quirky tradition highlights the importance of humor, silliness, and the joy a small practice brings during the festive season.

Another rare tradition derives from the Philippines where the ‘Simbang Gabi’ (night mass) is celebrated nationwide. The nine-day series of early morning masses begins on December 16th and culminates on Christmas Eve. The practice is deeply rooted in the Filipino-Catholic culture and is a time for the communities to come together, pray, and prepare for Christmas. After the mass, vendors sell traditional sweets and treats like ‘puto bumbong’ (purple rice cakes) and ‘bibingka’ (rice cakes), bringing a vibrant festive atmosphere filled with community spirit.

Exploring the origins of these traditions reveals how they are shaped by cultural influences. The celebration of Christmas has evolved over the years, absorbing elements of various religions and cultures but the authentic historical context is an unerasable element. The holiday has gone from being a Christian celebration to a global phenomenon that transcends religious boundaries, gathering individuals together in a spirit of goodwill and joy.

As we partake in the traditions, whether common, rare, or even family-centered, we celebrate not only the holiday but also the rich tapestry of history that has been woven into our lives. The act of gifting, the joy of family gatherings, and the warmth of a hot turkey contribute to the essence of Christmas, making it a beloved holiday for many around the world. In the RCHK community, we encourage celebrations and Christmas is one close to our hearts. The traditions foster connections and create cherished memories, reminding us of the universal values of love, generosity, and unity that Christmas brings along with countless smiles.