Have you ever wondered where some of your favorite Christmas traditions and symbols came from? You probably grew up loving candy canes, dreaming of a white Christmas, and hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. But how did these iconic parts of Christmas become so popular? Get ready to discover the origins of your most beloved holiday icons. This cheerful season is filled with whimsical stories and folklore that have spread joy for generations.
In this article, you’ll learn the history behind candy canes, how ‘Winter Wonderland’ became a holiday classic, the Germanic roots of Christmas trees, and how Coca-Cola helped to popularize the image of Santa Claus that you know and love today. By understanding the origins of these symbols, you can appreciate even more how they brighten up each Christmas season and spread goodwill. So pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and get ready to uncover the roots of your favorite Christmas cheer!
Christmas’ Santa Claus: The History
Santa Claus, the jolly man who brings presents to good little boys and girls on Christmas Eve, is one of the most recognizable figures of the Christmas season. But where did the legend of Santa come from?
The story of Santa Claus originated from a real person, Saint Nicholas, a Greek bishop who lived in the 3rd century AD. Saint Nicholas was known for giving secret gifts to the poor. Over time, the legend of St. Nicholas evolved. After the Reformation, European folklore combined the story of St. Nicholas with other Christmas traditions.
In Britain, the figure of Father Christmas emerged. He was a jolly man who symbolized good cheer at Christmas. Then Dutch settlers brought ‘Sinterklaas’ to America in the 17th century. ‘Sinterklaas’ evolved into ‘Santa Claus’. The famous poem ’twas the Night Before Christmas, published in 1823, described Santa Claus in vivid detail and helped popularize the figure of Santa Claus.
Santa’s red suit and rosy cheeks were created for Coca-Cola’s 1930s ad campaign. Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create images of Santa Claus drinking Coke. These ads established Santa’s red and white suit, rosy cheeks, and jolly demeanor.
Through poems, stories, songs, ads, and popular culture, the legend of Santa Claus spread and evolved into the Christmas icon we know and love today. So when Santa squeezes down your chimney this Christmas Eve, you’ll know you have history and folklore to thank for this most cheerful Christmas tradition!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: How He Went Down in History
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has gone down in history as one of the most beloved Christmas characters. But how did this little reindeer with a very shiny nose become so famous?
It all started in 1939 when Robert L. May, a copywriter for Montgomery Ward, was tasked with creating a Christmas story that could be given away to shoppers. May’s brother-in-law had passed away from cancer and May’s wife was ill at the time. He found inspiration in that personal struggle to write a story about an outcast reindeer finding acceptance.
Thus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was born! Montgomery Ward distributed over 2.4 million copies of May’s story in its first year. ###The story of Rudolph struck a chord with readers.
May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, then adapted the story into the famous song we know and love today. Gene Autry recorded it in 1949, and it became an instant hit, selling over 2.5 million copies. Since then, the story and song have been adapted into movies, TV specials, and tons of merchandise.
No wonder Rudolph has endured and still fills us with Christmas cheer today. His message of acceptance, kindness, and the underdog overcoming adversity resonates with both young and old. So the next time “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” plays, smile and sing along. Rudolph’s story is a reminder of the light that acceptance and kindness can bring to the world.
Frosty the Snowman: The Cool Origin Story
Frosty the Snowman is one of the most iconic Christmas characters, but did you know he started out as a song? In 1950, Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson wrote the tune “Frosty the Snowman” to cheer up children during the holiday season.
The jolly, happy soul with a corncob pipe and a button nose was introduced to the world through Gene Autry’s recording of the song that same year. Kids and adults alike were enchanted by the tale of the magical snowman that came to life. The lyrics describe Frosty coming to life after some children put a silk hat on his “head of snow”. He then leads them on an adventure around town, narrowly escaping danger before melting in the greenhouse sun.
The popularity of the song led to an animated TV special in 1969, which firmly cemented Frosty as a central figure of Christmas. The special expanded on the song’s story, giving Frosty a more complex backstory and cast of characters, including Professor Hinkle, the magician who originally owned the magic hat.
Today, Frosty remains a symbol of winter cheer and childhood wonder. His message of friendship, kindness and not being in too much of a hurry resonates with both young and old. The jolly soul with the button nose and eyes made out of coal is a reminder for us all to embrace the simple joys of the season.
Elves: Santa’s Little Helpers Throughout History
Have you ever wondered where Santa’s little helpers came from? Elves have a long, rich history stemming from Germanic mythology. These festive folk have been helping Santa Claus in his North Pole workshop for generations.
Household Helpers
Elves originated in Germanic folklore as small, household spirits who helped with chores and brought good fortune. They were said to inhabit houses and barns, coming out at night to complete tasks while the families slept. The elves’ good deeds and hijinks were said to bring prosperity and delight to the homes they inhabited.
Santa’s Workshop Wonder Workers
Elves became strongly associated with Christmas traditions in the Victorian era. Poems, stories, and illustrations depicted cheery elves helping Santa Claus make toys and goodies for Christmas. These miniature merrymakers captured people’s imaginations and became an essential part of Christmas folklore. Department store displays and Coca-Cola advertisements helped popularize the image of industrious elves toiling away in Santa’s North Pole workshop.
Spreading Christmas Cheer
Elves represent the whimsical, feel-good spirit of the Christmas season. With their pointy hats and shoes, rosy cheeks, and playful nature, elves evoke childhood wonder and the magic of Christmas. They have become pop culture icons, appearing in countless movies, TV shows, books, and decorations. Elves help spread Christmas cheer and remind us of the power of imagination.
Elves have transitioned from humble household helpers to Santa’s special assistants who help make Christmas dreams come true. Their long, storied history and ability to capture the imagination has solidified elves as an essential part of Christmas tradition and folklore. Next time you see Santa’s little helpers, give them a smile—and maybe a cookie!—in thanks for all they do to spread Christmas cheer.
Christmas Trees: Evergreen Traditions Through the Ages
Evergreen trees have long been associated with winter holidays and bringing cheer during the darkest days of the year. Their fragrant boughs and vibrant greenery have endured for centuries as a colorful tradition.
A German Tradition
The modern Christmas tree tradition originated in Germany in the 16th century. Germans would decorate fir trees with candles, nuts, and berries to celebrate the winter solstice. The tradition gained popularity and spread to Britain and the United States in the 1800s. Families would gather around the lit tree on Christmas Eve to sing carols and exchange gifts.
Rockefeller Center Tree
Perhaps the most well-known Christmas tree is the giant Norway Spruce that is lit up each year in New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The first tree was erected in 1931 and started an beloved annual tradition where thousands crowd the plaza to witness the tree lighting ceremony and see the switch flipped, illuminating over 50,000 multi-colored lights and Swarovski crystal ornaments. The Rockefeller tree has become an iconic symbol of the holidays in NYC.
White House Christmas Tree
Another famous Christmas tree is the one displayed each year in the Blue Room of the White House. Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has provided a Christmas tree to grace the White House during the holidays. More than 25,000 visitors tour the White House each December to admire the tree and other lavish decorations. The tree is decorated to match the first lady’s chosen theme and style for that year.
Evergreen trees lift our spirits with their cheerful greenery and fragrance. Whether a small tree in your living room or a giant iconic tree in Rockefeller Center, Christmas trees continue a long-held tradition of bringing light and merriment during the winter season. May these evergreen symbols of faith, hope and love brighten your holidays and home!
Conclusion
So there you have it, the fascinating stories behind some of our most cherished Christmas symbols. As you trim your tree, hang your stockings, and leave cookies out for Santa this season, you can delight in knowing the rich histories and cultural influences behind these time-honored traditions. Whether pagan or Christian, old world or new, these icons have come to represent the warmth, joy and goodwill we associate with the holidays. May these cherished traditions continue to spread Christmas cheer for generations to come! Now get out there and spread some holiday magic of your own!