This upcoming holiday season is one rich with traditions that bring people together. Many of these customs, while practiced and beloved today, have roots stretching back centuries and spanning cultures worldwide.
CHRISTMAS TREES
The tradition of decorating a tree goes back to ancient Pagan rituals. Evergreen trees specifically were revered in many cultures, such as the Vikings and Druids. They were considered symbols of life even in the harsh and cold winter months. The act of decorating them is believed to have originated in Germany in the 16th century when Martin Luther was inspired to put candles on a tree to imitate starlight. This is a tradition that the Germans brought with them to America in the 19th century, and it has since evolved from there.
GIFT GIVING
Exchanging gifts during the holidays is an act that can be traced back to the Roman festival of Saturnalia, held in mid-December to celebrate their god of agriculture, Saturn. During the celebration, Romans would give each other small gifts as a sign of goodwill. Christian traditions adapted this practice, connecting it to the biblical story of the Magi who brought Jesus gifts as a baby. Modern forms of this gained popularity in the 19th century as a form of generosity.
SANTA CLAUS
Santa as we know him is an amalgamation of various figures and legends The Dutch brought their tradition of a Sinterklaas to America in the 18th century, who was in turn inspired by Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for generosity. Over time, this has evolved into our modern perception of Santa — the jolly, red-suited man, an image cemented by 19th-century writers and pop culture.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
The practice of making New Year’s resolutions has its origins in ancient Babylon, where people made promises to gods in return for favor in the coming year. Similarly, Romans offered resolutions to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and endings, after which January is named. Today the tradition has evolved into something more personal and often related to self-improvement.
STOCKINGS
Hanging stockings by the fireplace stems from the legend of Saint Nick. According to one tale, the minister learned of a poor family with three daughters who couldn’t afford dowries. He dropped gold coins down their chimney, which landed in their stockings that were left out to dry. This story inspired the tradition of hanging stockings, which remains a favorite for many.
HANUKKAH MENORAH
The lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem after its ruin by foreign rulers. According to tradition, when the Jewish people reclaimed the temple, they found only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, it lasted for 8, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights. It remains central to the holiday, symbolizing resilience and divine intervention.
KWANZAA CANDLE LIGHTING
Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates African heritage and culture. The seven candles of the kinara represent the principles of Nguzo Saba, such as unity, self-determination, and collective work. The act of lighting candles each day represents a blend of African harvest festival traditions and the idea of creating a space for reflection and renewal.
