Holiday traditions II

To spoil the season even more, here are other Holiday Traditions that have come into

existence over the years.

Poinsettias: Have no historical connection to the holiday as it wasn’t discovered until the plant was found in Mexico by the American Ambassador to the country in 1825. He was fond of its red and green colors. When he left his ambassadorship and returned to his home, he brought the plant with him and began to cultivate it in his green house. Proud of his efforts, he exhibited his new flower during a local flower show where its bright red and green colors were an instant triumph. In time, individuals started to decorate their homes with these festive-looking flowers during the holiday season. Who found the plant? Robert Poinsett, who it is named after.

Mistletoe: This parasitic plant with red or white berries attaches itself to trees and relies on its host for nutrients, hence the reason why it’s called a parasitic plant. Scholars are unsure of how this plant became associated with Christmas, it does however perfectly describe children, but its use as an adornment to homes can be traced back Greek and Roman cultures. The pagans would place the flower over doorways to ward off evil spirits. As was customary of the time, the new religion absorbed these customs and it became part of the annual holiday decorations. Kissing under it came to be in the late 1700’s by the British. Again, the reason for doing so is unknown, but the practice would soon catch on and become part of the holiday tradition.

Yule log: This tradition is traced back to medieval times as it was a prominent custom throughout many European countries. On Christmas Eve, or Christmas morning, a fire would be created using a log saved from the previous year. How they saved the log and why is not known. These days with so many homes having no fireplace, the best, and easiest way to watch a yule log burn is to stream a video of said yule log from any of the numerous streaming services. 

Christmas Carols: Yes, these too are based on pagan customs. The word carol itself means to dance or sing a song in praise and joy, which is exactly what pagans were doing when they were celebrating or honoring their gods. Naturally, the singing and praising would slowly find their way into the customs and rituals of the new Christian faith, especially during the Christmas season.

Christmas cards: Like the Poinsette, Christmas cards are a relative new addition to the holiday season. The card didn’t come into existence until the late 1800s and was created as marketing gimmick for the recently established Public Records office. The first “Christmas Card” was printed in England in 1843 as a trifold picture; the middle was of a family celebrating the holiday, while the outside panels were images of people helping the poor. Sir Henry Cole, who was a civil servant of the recently established Public Records office, came up with the card idea as a way of funding the newly established office. His idea worked and over the next several years the idea of the holiday card grew in popularity.

Christmas Pickle: While it is an odd tradition, it is one that is rather cute. A pickle ornament is hidden on the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, then on Christmas morning, the child that finds it first receives a special present or is able to open their presents first. How did this custom begin? No one knows, but it’s thought to have come from Germany like so many other holiday traditions. The Germans, however; do not take responsibility for this odd custom.

A Holiday fruitcake: This delightful cake can trace its origins as far back as the holiday itself. What is a fruitcake? It is a cake made with candied or dried fruit (which are occasionally soaked in alcohol), mixed nuts, flour, spices, and of course, lots of sugar and comes in several variations. The first fruitcake is believed to have been created in ancient Rome and was made from pomegranates, pine nuts, and raisins and mixed with a barley mash. This fruit bar, as it was called, was used to feed the Roman army during their foreign military campaigns. The cake would eventually leave military service as it was incorporated into the culinary habits of the different Roman territories. Several variations of the cake were created based on the ingredients found in the various regions, and it would soon be consumed at weddings, celebrations and eventually a staple treat during the holiday season.