History of Christmas Traditions

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Whenever, we see something new, we feel attracted towards it and want to know more about it. However, this is not the case with Christmas traditions. These traditions are being followed from ages. However, today people just follow them blindly without knowing its history and importance. When we do something we must be, aware why we are doing it because when we come to know its importance we follow it with more devotion and a feeling of joy.

Each Christmas tradition has a reason behind it. Today, when we look at those reasons, we may feel that they are valid or sometimes we feel that they are there without any proper reason. Some traditions do not have a proper base and debates are going on. On them but this, does not affect the celebration of that Christmas tradition.

Read ahead and know the various Christmas traditions. Below you will find the date of beginning, who was responsible for starting them and the reason for that tradition:

• History of Santa Claus in Christmas: Gift giving and receiving is a common Christmas tradition followed all over the world. We all know that this tradition is due to our all time favorite character Santa Claus. Therefore, it is important to know the history of Santa Claus. The origin of Santa Claus began in the fourth century due to St. Nicolas who was a bishop in Myra that is now called as Turkey. His generous nature and love towards children resulted in the creation of Santa. Many nations and organizations claim him to be their patron saint. Many poets have written poems and writers have even written stories about his adventures.

• The History of Christmas Stockings: This is a popular custom. People all over the world hang stockings in a desire that they will get gifts from Santa Claus. This tradition is also associated with St. Nicolas. There is a story associated with this, it is said that one night when St. Nicolas was walking around he heard some whispers coming from a house. He put his ears close to listen. Later, he found out that the family was facing severe financial problem. To help them he filled their stockings with gold coins. That was a Christmas day. From then on people began to believe that they would get their Christmas gifts in stockings.

• The History of Mistletoe: Using mistletoe to decorate during Christmas is a well-known tradition. The purpose behind this is that earlier people wondered that how this plant could stay green even in the harsh cold weather. They concluded that this plant is magical and so can drive away evil spirits. It also had medicinal qualities to be used as an antidote against poison and to treat infertility.

• The History of Poinsettias: The tradition of using this plant to decorate began due to a story. It is said that a boy was walking through a forest and suddenly he realized that he got no gift for the Christ child. He thought for a while and then decided that he would carry some leaves as a gift. Later, when he reached there the rest of the kids started to make fun of him and his gift. When he kept his gift near the child’s feet red colored flowers bloomed from each branch. Those were actually the top petals of that plant but people misunderstood it as a flower. Eventually, people considered it a god’s gift and started using for decoration during Christmas.

History of Christmas traditions informs you about the importance of each practice that we are doing from many years. After knowing its holiness and significance, you will perform those traditions with more respect and love than before.