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Christmas Traditions In Germany
Germany has numerous traditions that it shares with the 9
neighboring countries that abut it. They also have quite a few
that they have started themselves.
In the United States children write their letters to Santa Claus
and mail them to the North Pole with their respective wish
lists. In some other countries the children will write their
letters and throw them in the fire so that the smoke will take
their lists to Santa at the the North Pole.
German children have a slightly different tradition though. They
write their letters to the Christkind or Christ Child. They seal
them in envelopes and decorate the envelope with sugar and glue
to make them glitter in the moon light. They then place them on
the windowsill where their parents usually pick them up to leave
the appearance that the Christkind has stopped by to receive
them.
Another tradition is for the children to fill their shoes with
hay, straw and carrots and leave them out in front of the door.
They are trying to tempt Saint Nicholas to stop and feed his
white stallion. He will then repay them by refilling their shoes
with candy and toys.
The tradition of the Christmas tree was started in Germany and
Christmas trees are quite popular there. How the
tradition of
the Christmas tree started is a matter of much debate.
The first tale is of a wood cutter who encountered a lone hungry
child while out cutting trees. He befriended and fed the child.
After the meal the child continued on his way. The next day the
child appeared to the wood cutter and his wife as a spirit and
thanked him for his kindness. He then explained that he was the
Christ Child, Christkind to the Germans.
He gave the wood cutter a sprig from an evergreen tree and
explained that this tree would bear fruit year round. This lead
to the German's felling evergreen trees and decorating them with
ribbons, candies, etc. to celebrate the Christkind.
The other tale of how the Christmas tree came about is
attributed to Martin Luther. He supposedly brought in an
evergreen tree one year from outside and decorated it with
candles. The candles were to represent the light of Jesus Christ
and the heavens according to tradition.
About the author:
Michael Paetzold is the webmaster of
http://ChristmasAcrossTheGlobe.com where you can find more
information on various tradittions for the Christmas season from
around the world along with a variety of Christmas tips from
decorating to gift buying.
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