Christmas Special III: With full speed to the Christmas holidays!  [14.12.22]

We end our Christmas special and discuss the origin of Santa, why you can find so many straw stars in Germany, when Germans decorate their Christmas tree, and how they traditonally celebrate Christmas (and when).

 

Most of the so-called "traditional" Christmas rituals barely date back to the 19th century, with many of these traditions having their roots in Austria and Germany. Christmas celebrations in Germany are comparable to those in various other nations, with a few minor exceptions. They celebrate Christmas much like everyone else, with Christmas carols, gifts, trees, and Santa Claus.

Santa Claus (Der Weihnachtsmann)
Santa Claus, sometimes referred to as “der Weihnachtsmann” in Germany (literally meaning "the Christmas man”), is a direct descendent of Saint Nicholas, as is evident from where the name "Santa Claus" comes. The English appellation came directly from the Dutch variant "Sinterklaas". A bearded old guy who rode a reindeer-drawn sled in a long, brown fur cloak with a hood was a familiar figure in centuries-old Northern European folklore. This figure symbolizes preparing for the next long winter season by carrying a staff and nuts, which represent fertility and non-perishable, substantial food, respectively. Now we finally understand why Santa Claus sounds like St. Nicholaus and why this similarity exists!  
Both the figure of St. Nicholas and the personality derived from ancient Germanic tradition share many of the traits attributed to the modern-day Santa Claus. Like Santa Claus, the Weihnachtsmann is portrayed as a cheery old man with a long white beard, a red fur suit, a sack of gifts, and a switch. He rewards the good kids with gifts on Christmas Eve and disciplines the bad ones. He doesn't come down the chimney; instead, he sneaks in and out long enough to drop off the gifts, usually before kids can get a good look at him. Today, the Weihnachtsmann or the “Christkind” (Christ child, depending on the German-speaking region), leaves gifts for the kids to open on Christmas Eve.  

The Straw Star (der Strohstern)  
Many Christmas trees are decorated with stars made of straw. These are associated with the birth of Jesus in a barn in Bethlehem. Another story says that a shepherdess thought about what to give the baby and then recreated with straw the star that indicated the birth of Jesus. Straw stars are still popular today for making, buying and giving as gifts, and especially in front of and in churches you can often find Christmas trees decorated (almost) exclusively with straw stars. It is also a fun (and we will not lie - challening!) Christmas activity to try with friends! Instructions can be found on the internet, of course! :)  

The Candle Arch (der Schwibbogen) and Wooden Pyramid (die Holzpyramide)  
We think the candle arch and the Christmas pyramids are perfect examples of light-giving and contemplative Christmas decoration. The candle arch and the wooden pyramids have become very popular, and originate in the east of Germany. The Ore Mountains are traditionally a miners' region. It was therefore customary for the miners to meet on December 24 for a joint devotional service and a merry "miners' holy evening. They hung their burning miner's lamps in a semicircle on a wall or directly at the mouth of the tunnel to indicate the entrance to the tunnel. This gave rise to the idea and shape of a freely erectable arch of lights with candles placed on top. Below the shape of the arch, space was found for ornamental figural representations. They are traditionally placed on the inner window sills facing the street during the Christmas season and bring the warm, inviting glow of light into the dark night. The presumably first candle arch came from the hands of the mountain blacksmith Johann Teller, who is said to have forged it around 1726 in Johanngeorgenstadt. The oldest preserved candle arch dates back to 1778.  
The Christmas pyramid has become an indispensable part of the German Christmas tradition. Their origins date back to the 16th century. Some even claim that the tradition of the Christmas tree also originated from the first Christmas pyramids. As with most wooden art objects from the Ore Mountains, it was the miners who devoted themselves to the manufacture of Christmas pyramids. The pyramid consists of several levels, to which small candles are attached. The heat from the candles operates the rotating wings. A variety of motifs and styles emerged, such as the Gothic or Oriental style or the forest motif. Everything from the three holy kings walking to Christ's birth, to marching miners, to animals like deer and hares can be found on the pyramids. The manufacturing methods also differed greatly, so there were and still are carved, lathe turned and fret worked pyramids.  

German Christmas carols
German Christmas songs have a rich history that dates to the Middle Ages. These early songs were frequently performed in churches as choral dialogues or as part of religious Christmas plays, and they frequently combined well-known folk melodies with words penned by local clerics. More popular German Christmas carols developed in the 20th century as the Christmas festival became more secularized and lost its religious roots. One of these is "Morgen kommt der Weihnachtsmann."  
The 11th-century ballad "Nun sei uns willkommen, Herre Christ" is the earliest one that has been recorded. Latin Christmas hymns were translated into some of the earliest German carols, including "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" and "Mein Geist erhebt den Herren mein." These songs were included in church traditions related to Christmas. They were serious and modest offerings of respect to an all-powerful, omnipotent God.  
The Reformation had an impact on how Christmas was celebrated outside of the church and in the home. The origins of many of the popular holiday German carols can be found in the 19th century. Older carols were updated and modified, and more modern words were added to well-known folk songs. Although the theological motivation behind the holiday spirit was not entirely abandoned, the new German Christmas carols have a more relaxed and non-ritualistic tone than the original church songs.  

The Christmas tree (der Tannenbaum/der Weihnachtsbaum)
In Germany, the tree is typically decorated on December 23 or 24. Many members of the older generations still decorate the halls on Christmas Eve morning. However, this varies from family to family and some even put up their tree in early December. Still, the tree is adorned last after the rest of the house has already been decorated.  
Germans have traditionally utilized fir trees, although spruce trees are becoming more common. Tinsel, glass balls, straw ornaments, and sweets are some examples of decorations. The Tannenbaum is topped with a star or an angel and presents may also be placed adjacent to a nativity scene that is set up beneath the tree. Additionally, some Germans still decorate their trees with genuine candles rather than electric lights.  
The town bakers of Freiburg put up the first recorded Christmas tree in 1419. They decked it with baked goods, fruits, and nuts, which the kids were allowed to take down and consume on New Year's Day. Evergreens were first taken into the guild rooms of the town's guilds and associations, where they were decorated with apples and sweets. The decorations finally included candles. Yew, juniper, mistletoe, holly, and evergreen boughs - any plant that kept its green hue through the gloomy and lifeless winter months - have been brought into ordinary German houses since the Middle Ages. The Christmas tree we are familiar with today probably has its origin in the pagan tradition. At the time of the winter solstice, people brought so-called winter mai into their homes. These green branches were a sign of life, were supposed to drive away winter spirits and promised protection and fertility. The custom spread even to areas devoid of forests. For example, residents in Northern Germany substituted Christmas pyramids (“Weihnachtspyramiden”) for Christmas trees. Sticks were used to make the pyramid, which was then embellished with fir branches. The tradition of bringing a tree into the home had become well-established by 1800 in many German-speaking areas and had since extended across all of Europe and eventually the world. German-speaking immigrants to Pennsylvania and Ohio in the 18th century brought the tradition to North America.  
On January 6th, Three Kings Day, the Tannenbaum is taken down, and the kids are free to rummage through it for the sweets and treats that made it festive.

Christmas Eve (Heiliger Abend; also Heiligabend)
Germans have a jam-packed day of festivities on Christmas Eve. Many households will traditionally spend the day preparing food for the family, putting the finishing touches on the house, and decorating the tree. As night falls, families will congregate around the tree.  
Beginning on December 24, it is a regular workday. But by 2:00 pm, and frequently even sooner, businesses close in anticipation of the holiday celebration, which in Germany takes place largely on Christmas Eve. Families may read aloud the narrative of Christ's birth while singing Christmas carols together. Children are often the center of the gift exchange among family members. Martin Luther established the custom of opening presents on Christmas Eve (instead of on December 6th in honor of St. Nicholas) in the 16th century in support of a holiday that honored Christ rather than a Catholic saint.  
Tradition dictates that the "Christkind" (Christ child) brings the gifts while the kids are outside the room. Children will enter the room once a bell has been rung, and the family will sing carols together before the bescherung (gift-opening) starts. Afterward, some families attend Christmas Eve services at their nearby churches, while others may induldge in delectable fare.  
Traditionally, a joyful meal is served following the gift-exchanging session in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. The menu options range from fish to Saitenwürstle (sausages) with potato salad, actually a very characteristic dish, to goose with red cabbage, dumplings, or potatoes.  
German families, whether Catholic or Protestant and even those who don't regularly attend church, frequently attend mass or a religious service on Christmas Eve. The mass used to be held at midnight, but in more recent years, the services have been held in the early evening.  
The Reformation had an impact on how Christmas was celebrated outside of the church and in the home. From St. Martin's Day on November 11 until Christmas Eve on December 24th, according to ancient Christian custom, was a season of fasting. Fish is the traditional symbol of the fasting meal, hence a simple dish like carp is often offered. A 2021 survey found that 34% of Germans consume potato salad with sausages on Christmas Eve, making it the most well-liked dish nationwide. People partake in a large feast on a festively decorated table on Christmas Day and the day following, which are both holidays. Christmas dinner usually consists of roast goose, potato dumplings, and red cabbage.

Christmas Days (der erste and zweite Weihnachtstag)
Germans refer to December 25 as the "Erster Feiertag," or first holiday. Even though everyone will have opened their gifts on Christmas Eve, families still get together, eat delicious food, and take the day off work to celebrate.   In Germany, both December 25 and December 26 are recognized as legal holidays and are referred to as the First and Second Christmas Days, respectively. Christ's birth was initially celebrated by the church, but with time it evolved into a family event. The day is spent socializing with extended family instead of conducting business. On the First Christmas Day, goose is customarily served, along with other traditional German dishes like red cabbage, potato dumplings, and stuffing with apples and sausage. The second Christmas day is typically a calmer occasion, reserved as a day for relaxation and serenity. On both days, Germans gather with friends and family for teatime or dinner.  

 

A distinct Swabian Christmas custom?
Swabians celebrate "between the years" which is when they praise the Christmas tree. This cannot be done in the weeks leading up to Christmas because traditionally the Christmas tree is put up and decorated the day before or on Christmas Eve. This custom is thought to have originated with the Swabians around the turn of the 20th century. There are numerous hypotheses as to why it came to be, one of which is that Swabians don't have time for social contact throughout the year because they work constantly. The Swabians complete their years’ worth of socializing while many people are off of work "between the years". Additionally, it provides justification for sharing some drinks without feeling guilty; in fact, it's customary!
Here's how the Swabian custom of praising the tree works:

 

1. Even if it's unannounced, drop by a friend, neighbor's, coworker's, or acquaintance's house. At any other time of the year, you should never go uninvited to a Swabian's home. However, it is polite to call ahead!
2. After being welcomed inside, proceed to the Christmas tree.
3. Once you find the Christbaum (Christmas tree), praise it in a copious, impassioned, and very un-Germanic manner. It really doesn't matter whether you like the tree or not. This is the one instance in Germany where sincerity and directness are completely ignored. Even the tree's shortcomings should be lavishly praised: "Take a look at that gorgeous bald spot! How did you manage to make such a beautiful stumpy tree tilt so much to the left?”, and so on.
4. Praise the tree's design, the ornaments, and the location: tucked away in the space between two couches, etc. Praise every imaginable quality of the tree.
5. The hosts then present a prize after each and every visitor has graciously praised their Christmas tree. Although it’s a part of the ritual to be offered Schnaps or wine, it’s important to seem overjoyed when presented with the beverage. The host will also provide unconsumed Stollen and cookies leftover from Christmas.
6. After a drink and a snack, it's time to head for the door, thank your hosts for their hospitality, and choose which house you'll visit next. As you do so, don't forget to say one last thing in honor of the Christmas tree.

 

In a Verein (club), the members may decide to spend an afternoon and an evening at each other's homes, or the hosting responsibilities may be rotated annually. Sometimes they turn it into a competition, scoring each tree according to its size, symmetry (or lack thereof), and needle strength (are the needles still firmly attached or are they already beginning to shed?) straightness, originality in the decorating, etc.
If you visit someone "between the years" for any other purpose, you should be prepared for "spontanes Loben", or spontaneous tree praise. Basically, always give them compliments when you're near their Christmas tree! Swabians always have a bottle of wine or Schnaps on hand, so you may get a Schlückchen (nip/dram) in exchange for your trouble. What happens if you visit someone and they don't have a tree? After all, if they're older or the kids won't be coming home anyhow, some people don't bother. No worries! Germans are excellent planners, so there is a solution for this situation: "Loben mit eigenem Baum" (praising your own tree). Bring your own tree with you if you anticipate being in this possibly embarrassing circumstance. Bring the tiny tabletop tree you bought from the flower shop (most flower shops sell these) inside and place it in the center of the room for everyone to admire. Schnaps must still be provided by the host, and you are free to take your tree with you when you depart.
Have you ever come across this tradition?!

 

Epiphany (Das Dreikönigsfest) and the Sternsinger (star singers)
On January 6, Catholics celebrate the visit of the three wise men/the kings to the crib of the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem. They saw a new, bright star in the sky and followed it, suspecting that a new king had been born. The star of Bethlehem led them to Mary and the little Jesus, whom they recognized as a special person, adored and gave gifts to. Whether the men were actually kings is not clear. In the Bible, they are referred to only as "wise men" or "astrologers." The designation "kings" probably arose because they had precious gifts such as gold, frankincense and myrrh in their luggage.
To commemorate the three men, children and young people in Germany still dress up on January 6 and go from house to house as carol singers in towns and villages. There they collect donations for children all over the world. They also write the current year's number and "C+M+B" on the doors with chalk for protection. The letters stand for "Christus mansionem benedicat", which translated from Latin means "Christ bless this house".
In the Protestant Church, Jan. 6 is called Epiphany. The term, derived from the Greek word "epiphaneia," means "appearance”. Believers primarily commemorate that Jesus is God's Son. Important is of course the adoration of the three wise men from the east who came to Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus. Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts and ends the Christmas season.
Not all Christians celebrate the same! Orthodox churches also celebrate the feast of Epiphany, also called Theophany. However, unlike in the West, the kings do not play a role for them: on this day, they exclusively commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Most Orthodox churches, including the Greek Orthodox, celebrate Epiphany on January 6 - as does the Catholic Church. The faithful of the Russian Orthodox and Serbian Orthodox churches, who celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar and thus not until January 6 and 7, do not celebrate the feast until January 19. A traditional part of the celebrations is the so-called Great Consecration of Water. The ceremony has been attested since the fourth century, and probably came to Eastern Europe from Jerusalem via Constantinople.    

 

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, or as Germans would say, “Fröhliche Weihnachten und guten Rutsch!” ("Merry Christmas and (lit.) slide well into the New Year") to all of you!

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