Every holiday season, many beloved traditions come out – twinkling lights, festive carols, mistletoe kisses, visions of Santa gliding on his sleigh. But where did these popular customs come from? Read on for some fascinating facts about the iconic holiday we celebrate on December 25th.
Picking the Date
No one knows the exact birth date of Jesus. So why do we celebrate Christmas day? Around the year 300 AD, Christian church officials chose to commemorate Jesus’ birth on Dec 25th, coinciding with existing pagan winter solstice festivals. The intent was to absorb these popular traditions into the church’s own observations.
Decking the Halls
Decking halls with boughs of holly, wreaths, trees, and garlands dates to ancient Roman winter solstice celebrations in honor of their gods. The tradition symbolized the promise of coming spring. Christians later adopted the pagan customs and infused them with Christian meanings. The evergreen tree and wreath signified everlasting life through Jesus, while candles represented Christ, the light of the world.
The Gift-Giver
The legend of Santa Claus has connections to Norse mythology as well. Odin, the father of the god Thor in Norse legends, was described as a large man with a long white beard who rode through the skies on an eight-legged horse carrying a spear. He would reward the kind or punish the unkind during the Yule season. These attributes later blended with the story of St. Nicholas to create the modern Santa Claus.
Smooching Under the Mistletoe
Mistletoe kissing traditionally started among ancient Celtic Druids who saw it as a symbol of fertility and eternal life. In Norse mythology, mistletoe was also associated with Frigga, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. According to legend, Frigga blessed mistletoe after her son was killed by an arrow made of the plant. Couples kissing under sprigs of mistletoe drew on her powers of affection and the promise of romance. The tradition endured over time and became connected to Christmas as mistletoe decor became popular.
Eight reindeers
Much of the modern Santa mythology comes from the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (also known as “The Night Before Christmas”). This popularized the image of Santa with eight reindeer guiding his magical sleigh flight on Christmas Eve. Santa calls out their names:
“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!”
The number eight connects back to Odin’s eight-legged horse Sleipnir from Norse legends, continuing the blending of these stories into the beloved Santa Claus character. The names themselves are drawn on descriptors for reindeer traits or festive imagery associated with Christmas. Over time, Rudolph with his bright red nose was also added to the reindeer team in pop culture!
So, as you sip eggnog and carol next holiday season, you’ll know the fascinating stories behind those Yuletide rituals!
