
It dates back to the mid-19th century, when German Protestants made chalk marks on doors or lit candles to count the days leading up to Christmas. The Advent calendar tradition is of German origin. Advent CalendarĪdvent calendars are special calendars used to count down the days until Christmas.Įach day (starting on December 1st and running until the 25th) coincides with a small door that can be opened to reveal a Christmas picture, and sometimes even a piece of chocolate or small candy. READ MORE: 80 Christmas Traditions Around the WorldĪdvent Calendar, photo via Canva 1. So read on for a deep dive into the symbols of Christmas and learn the meaning of traditional Christmas Decorations- such as mistletoe, twinkling Christmas lights, and more! It’s more a testament to the power of these ancient Christmas customs– evidence that we all want to commune, commemorate, and care for one another.Įach of those traditional Christmas symbols-evergreens, candy canes, wreaths, stockings- has a fascinating history that explains how it worked its way into the hearts of millions of people.

This in no way diminishes the religious implications for those who observe the holiday for those reasons. Yet Christmas legends and Christmas traditions around the world vary drastically, with each culture adopting their own customs, their own holiday folklore, and their own Christmas dishes.

Many of the traditional symbols of Christmas transcend cultures and continents, including Christmas trees, gifts, ornaments, Santa (who’s known by many names), and, strangely, pickles. 336.īut it has also become an international phenomenon whose widespread popularity supersedes both its religious and pagan origins.ĭid you know that, while 70% of the planet’s population is not Christian, nearly 80% of the world’s countries observe Christmas traditions in one form or another? Christmas has been celebrated as a Christian holiday dating back to A.D.
