Christmas traditions

Christmas traditions consist of a diverse array of customs, religious practices, and folklore. These traditions can be exclusively Christian or they can be secular and cultural. Many of these celebrations originated outside of Christian influence. The nature of these traditions has changed significantly over many centuries. Celebrations often take on different qualities depending on the specific time period or geographical region.

For many Christians, attending church services is a central part of the season. The Roman Catholic Church classifies Christmas as a Solemnity. The Lutheran Church recognizes it as a Festival. Within the Anglican Communion, it is known as a Principal Feast. Religious attendance often peaks during the Christmas and Easter periods. A 2010 survey by Lifeway Christian Resources found that six in ten Americans attend church during this time.

Decorating with greenery is a tradition with a very long history. In 15th-century London, houses and parish churches were decked with holly, ivy, and bays. These plants held deep symbolic meanings for the people of that time. The heart-shaped leaves of ivy symbolized Jesus coming to Earth. Holly was used to represent protection against witches and pagans. Its red berries and thorns represented the blood and the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus.

The nativity scene is a major tradition that originated in Italy. Early artistic representations of the nativity date back to approximately AD 380 in Roman catacombs. Saint Francis of Assisi popularized the tradition starting in 1223 in Greccio. This led to the creation of many distinct regional styles. In Poland, the Kraków szopka uses colorful designs that imitate historical buildings. Southern France uses Provençal crèches featuring hand-painted terracotta figurines called santons. In Sicily, some people use living actors for nativity scenes.

The Christmas tree is another significant custom with German roots. German Lutherans began using the tree in the 16th century. In 1539, a tree was placed in the Cathedral of Strassburg under Martin Bucer. The English phrase "Christmas tree" was first recorded in 1835. The custom spread to Britain through Queen Charlotte and Prince Albert. By 1841, the tradition was widespread in Britain. In the United States, the custom was widely adopted by the 1870s.

Many people decorate their trees with specific symbolic items. A star at the top often represents the Star of Bethlehem. During the 19th century, it also became popular to use an angel. This symbolizes the angels mentioned in the Nativity accounts. Traditional colors include red, green, and gold. Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus. Green symbolizes eternal life through evergreen plants. Gold represents royalty and was one of the gifts from the Magi.

Special lighting and plants add to the holiday atmosphere. The poinsettia, a plant from Mexico, is often called the Flower of the Holy Night. It is associated with the Star of Bethlehem. Mistletoe is another popular evergreen plant used in European folklore. It is customary to hang sprigs of mistletoe in the home. People also use candles in windows to symbolize Jesus as the light of the world.

Musical traditions and special services conclude many celebrations. Midnight Mass is a jubilant service held at the start of Christmas Day. This tradition reached the Western world in 430 under Pope Sixtus III. Early Christmas hymns appeared in fourth-century Rome. One example is the Latin hymn "Veni redemptor gentium" by Ambrose. Many cultures also perform nativity plays in the streets. These reenactments are common in France, Germany, Mexico, and Spain.