How Many Swedes Celebrate and Decorate for Christmas

A Christmas tree decorated at the American Swedish Institute in
Minneapolis. The goats surrounding the tree are called Gävlebocken.

        In Sweden the Christmas season really begins with St. Lucy's day, December 13, when the eldest girl in each home dresses in white, with a red sash, and dons an evergreen crown with nine candles. It is her duty on Christmas morning to wake the family and bring them coffee and cakes. Many communities choose a Lucia Queen for the pageant and parade held in St. Lucy's honor. St. Lucy was an early Christian martyr who refused to give up her religion to marry a pagan, and was burned at the stake by the Emperor Diocletian. 

       Lucy's story was brought to Scandinavia by the missionaries and had such a strong appeal to the Vikings that she became the patron saint of all maidens. Because her feast day came on a day previously observing pagan rites to the goddess of light (about the time when the daylight hours begin to increase) the tradition of wearing the crown of candles became a part of the Lucia custom.

Ornaments Inspired by The Swedes:

• Christmas Crafting with Wheat: Pasting and Weaving

Swedish Traditions and Life Style:

• When Christmas Slowly Moves In by Living with Mandu
• Classic Swedish Christmas DIY's
• Julemanden is the gift-bearer in Danish culture
• Celebrate Santa Lucia for Christmas, December 13th
• History of The Swedish Dala Horse
• Good Yule Postcards

Winter

Antique paper-cut pattern designed by Karl Fröhlich of a snowy sleigh-ride,
a mother gathering tree limbs for burning and boys playing on the ice, oops!
one just fell through the ice . . . 

Winter by Madame de Chatelain 
paper-cut by Karl Fröhlich

Stern Winter—most unwelcome guest !— 
The earth in whitest robes has drest;
 And hast'ning through the crunching snow,
 With tinkling bells, the sledges go.

 The leafless wood looks drear and sad,

 No birds sing now with voices glad ;—

 But boys are romping far and wide,

And o'er the ice delight to slide.

 When on the panes with frost encased,

 The mimic fir-trees may be traced,

 In spite of biting cold and snow,

Poor housewives to the forest go. 

And there they gather moss to form

Their children’s bed all soft and warm,

And dried up twigs to make a blaze

That cheers the hearth with kindling rays.

Their treasures next the ashes yield,

And hot potatoes lie revealed,

Which little hungry mouths invite,

With dainty smell and welcome sight.

Lord! all Thy ways are great and good!

Thou giv’st e’en orphaned birds their food—

Thy blessing and Thy fostering care 

Alike the hut and palace share!

Traditions of The English Christmas

Wassailers in Great Britain go door-to-door
caroling and feasting on wassail, a kind of
spiced ale served warm in the Christmas
season.

       The Christmas tree came to England from Germany in 1841 when Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg set up a tree in Windsor Castle for Queen Victoria. It was immediately popular and, while its decorations were at first those of the Prince's homeland, it wasn't long before it acquired a distinctive tradition of English origin – that of using Christmas cards, many of them bearing pictures of the royal family, as its ornaments. 

       The first Christmas card is credited to England although there is a considerable disagreement as to the individual who should be recognized as its originator. Even the exact date is disputed, but the first card appeared between 1841 and 1845. According to the London Times which once attempted to settle the problem, credit should be given to John Calcott Horsely of the Royal Academy who was commissioned to produce a card for Sir Henry Cole, in order that Sir Henry might save himself the chore of writing a personal letter to each of his many friends. 

       It was a German immigrant who made Christmas cards popular in the United States. Louis Prang opened a small lithographing shop in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1874. He successfully worked out a process of making colored pictures for his cards and produced a series of simple floral designs which became immediately popular. Within a few years he was printing five million cards a year and had made Christmas card production his major operation. 

       The use of Christmas cards for tree decoration has also become popular in America. Small trees, decorated with cards, are now being provided by thoughtful people to hospitals and similar institutions to bring some of the Christmas spirit to those who must remain shut in during the holidays. 

       England is also noted for the food traditions it has brought to Christmas. 

       Henry VIII introduced the boar's head served with an apple in its mouth to the dinner menu. It was brought to the festive board in ceremonial style while minstrels and choristers joined in the presentation. The special significance attached to the boar, considered to be the most ferocious of animals, dates back to pre-Christian history when it was offered to the goddess Freya at the winter solstice. 

       Another ancient Christmas food of early English royalty was the peacock which was roasted whole and then redecked in its brilliant plumage. It was customary for the knights to take the "vow of the peacock" - by making their pledge of the year with their right hand on the peacock. Thus began the custom of making New Year's resolutions. 

St. Albans Mummers slay dragons on Boxing Day.

       Roast beef is now the traditional English Christmas meat and it was another English monarch who gave the name to one of the most succulent roasts. This was Charles II who, in a humorous mood, surrounded by his admirers at Christmas dinner, compared his affection for them to his fondness for a loin of good beef. With his sword he touched the huge roast before him and parodying the ritual of knighting, proclaimed: "I knight thee Sir Loin." Thus we have our sirloin steaks today. 

       Another favored English dish for Christmas was the plum pudding which originally began as a dish called "frumenty" consisting of boiled wheat, which was strained and combined with milk and egg yolks. Gradually new ingredients were added to spice it up but it was not until 1670 that it became the culinary achievement known in recent times. 

       The story of the origin of plum pudding has often been told. An early English king, hunting the day before Christmas, became lost in a blizzard and was unable to return to his castle. One of the members of his party, acting as cook, attempted to make the best of the meager provisions he had by throwing everything into the pot and cooking it together. This involved the remains of a stag, previously killed, flour, apples, dried plums, eggs, ale, brandy, and sugar. Tying the mess in a bag, he boiled it into a pudding and thus was acquired another Christmas recipe. So, at least, runs the story! 

       Mince pies were first known as mutton pies and were thought of as edible symbols of the gifts of the Wise Men in that their spices represented the choicest products of the East. They were first baked to represent the manger, with crossed lines on the upper crust symbolizing the hayrack of the stable. 

Mince pies are the favored treats to serve
during Christmas for dessert.

       The "wassail bowl" is another item of old English tradition, but actually it originated with the early Norsemen when the Princess Rowena, presenting a bowl of hot spiced wine to Prince Vortigern, saluted him with the expression "Wass-heil," which was a toast to his well-being. The prince responded with "Drinc-heile" in saluting her. Completely charmed by her beauty, he married the girl. So, today, we have the wassail bowl at our parties and potable toasts to the health of all present. 

       Although carol singing had its origin in several European countries in early times, it achieved a special popularity in the rural areas of England. Strolling groups of carolers, known as the "waits," moved through the village streets singing, and many of the carols still popular today were thus preserved. 

       Still another old English custom is that of presenting mystery plays at Christmas. These were given by actors known as "Mummers” because they were masked. As a rule they portrayed St. George slaying the dragon, or in pantomime they acted out the death of Nature by Winter and its subsequent renewal of life by Spring. 

       Such plays, and the masquerade costumes of the Mummers, have their origin in the Roman pagan celebration of the Saturnalia. The masquerade balls we still have in our country, and particularly the Mardi Gras celebrations, serve as a reminder that even our fun making has its roots deep in history.

• Eleven Christmas traditions that may surprise Americans by Adventures and Naps

A Strange Recollection of Christmas In Finland

A smoke sauna in Enonkoski.

       "Christmas in Finland begins with a bath. First the house is thoroughly cleaned, even washed. Then, as a part of the Christmas Eve preparations, the entire family takes a Finnish bath, known as the sauna. Perhaps steaming is a better description, for the traditional Finnish bathhouse is a separate building with three rooms. In one room are placed stones that have been heated until red-hot, and then water is poured over them to fill the room with steam. The next room is for rubbing, and the bather uses a small switch of birch twigs to strike the body and increase circulation. Before entering the third room for dressing the bather takes a roll in the snow for further stimulation. 

       Once everyone has enjoyed this traditional sauna, a light meal of barley porridge and almonds, with cream and sugar, fish, and prune tarts, ends the fasting. It is said that during this meal it is possible to see visions – the person one will marry during the coming year, or, if one looks out the window, someone who will die during the coming year. But this gift is reserved only for a few, and they must fast the whole day before, which may account for these apparitions. 

       Suspended from the ceiling over the dining table is a light wooden framework, covered with straw to symbolize the stable where Christ was born. Paper stars are hung from this fixture, and these, reflecting the light of the lamps and fire below, give a suggestion of the night sky as the family eats its simple meal. 

       Following supper, there used to be wrestling matches by the men on a straw-covered floor, on which the children would later sleep in imitation of the Christ Child. The women would blacken their faces and, dressed in men's clothes, visit their neighbors. No words were spoken on this occasion, nor would they accept any food. This odd custom was a commemoration of the Moorish Wise Man. 

       On Christmas day, the church services were held at dawn. Horse-drawn sleighs would carry the family groups to church making a wonderful sound as they sped over the crisp snow. It was customary to attach as many bells as possible to the sleigh for this occasion and the countryside itself seems to jingle merrily as the faithful gathered for the service. Each house on the way blazed with light from the candles placed in every window. 

       Following church, the sleighs raced home for the Christmas meal of ham or roast suckling pig with Lingenberry relish and other favorite foods. Dessert was a rice pudding with a single almond, and the one who found this in his portion could expect good luck during the coming year. 

       It is "Father Christmas" who generally brings the children their presents, but in some parts of Finland he is known as Wainamoinen from Kalevala folklore, or again as Ukko. He is represented as an old man with a long white mustache, a white peaked cap with blue trim, and a red coat. The legend of Wainamoinen is believed to have served as the prototype which Longfellow immortalized in his poem of Hiawatha . . . "

Christmas Traditions in Modern 

Finland by Sanna Vaara

Make Merry A Mexican Christmas and Tree!

Church of Saint Servatius decorated with papel picado.

       Christmas festivities in Mexico begin on December 16 and every home is decorated with flowers, evergreens, and colored paper lanterns in preparation for the great day itself. A representation of the Nativity, called the pesebra, is also prepared in each household. 

       Thus begins the posada, which means resting place, and commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph and their unsuccessful efforts to find a lodging for the night. 

       In some areas a group of villagers assemble and, carrying candles and chanting a song which asks for shelter, they go from door to door. But, of course, they are always told "there is no room." This tradition continues until Christmas Eve.

Colorful and intricate weaving from
 Mexico is often made into ornaments
for a Christmas tree.

       In many homes, the same ceremony is observed without leaving the house. Here part of the group of assembled friends and family members divide into two groups known as the Holy Pilgrims and the Hard-Hearted Innkeepers. Led by a white-clad figure representing an angel, the Pilgrims move through the house chanting, and the Innkeepers respond from a room designated as the inn. 

       After much coaxing on the part of the Pilgrims, who represent Joseph and Mary, the Innkeepers relent and the whole party kneels before the improvised altar with its pesebra and prayers. 

       Following this religious custom, a party is held with much singing, dancing, and games for the children. One of the features of this party is the traditional piñata. This is a large earthenware jar (olla) which has been fashioned especially for the occasion. It is disguised by means of paper and other decorative materials to look like a rooster, a bull, a clown's face, or whatever the maker may fancy. Inside the jar are nuts, fruit, and candy. 

       This is then suspended by a long rope from the ceiling and each child in turn is blindfolded, turned around a few times to confuse his sense of direction, and then given three chances to break the piñata with a stick. Since one end of the rope is controlled by an adult, there is considerable wild swinging to build up the excitement as the children flail away, but finally a lucky hit is made, the piñata shatters, and pandemonium results as everyone scrambles to pick up the goodies which have showered down. 

Lupita Dolls often decorate a Christmas tree.

       As in Spain, the children receive their presents on the Epiphany. 

       Mexico's contribution to Christmas in America is a flower - the poinsettia. It is known in Mexico as the Flor de la Noche Buena, "the flower of the Holy Night," and there are several stories about its origin.

       One is that a young girl, separated from her lover, died of a broken heart on Christmas Eve, and the blood drops which fell to the earth became the flower. 

      Another version is that as the people hurried to midnight Mass in the village church, carrying great armfuls of beautiful flowers to decorate the altars, they passed a small girl who inquired where they were going. On being told they were on their way to pay their respects to the Infant Jesus and that it was necessary to bring a gift of flowers, the little girl was heartbroken that she could not join them. But as her tears dropped to the earth, they were transformed into flowers of flame, which she gathered and brought to the Baby Jesus. 

A traditional Mexican tree would have a wide variety of brilliantly colored baubles!

Ornament Types in Mexico:

• Characters from the Bible/Nativity story crafted from clay
• poinsettia or Christmas flowers - felt poinsettia craft, a cardboard 'quilled' poinsettia
• piñatas shaped with into traditional Christmas symbols
• papel picado - colorful paper cut-outs from the Museum of International Folk Art (pdf)
• Mexican tin ornaments called "hojalata" or "lamina"
• Paper mache ''angelito" (angels)
• handwoven Mexican stars and pompom ornaments - stars woven with threads, star woven with yarn here
• Oaxacan Jicara ornaments
• floral painted gourds 
• LeLe Mexican Dolls made from paper mache
• Sarape hats and stockings
• mini sombreros
• woven palm "regalito" streamers - These come in a variety of styles; find them here.
• Guadalupe themed ornaments
• Mexican "milagros" ornaments
• colorful hand embroidered fabric ornaments - Otomi (Tenango)

Links to Collections and Customs:

• Las posadas mexicanas
• Mexican Themed Tree Ornaments
• Mexican Style Christmas Tree

Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett.

       The poinsettia was named after Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first American minister to Mexico, in 1825. Dr. Poinsett was intrigued with these "flame leaves" and sent cuttings to a nurseryman in Philadelphia, where it was named formally Euphorbia poinsettia, later botanically called Poinsettia pulcherrima. Credit for the propagation of the poinsettia in America is given to Albert Ecke, who raised the plant commercially on his farm near Los Angeles. This region in California is now known as the "poinsettia belt" and supplies the entire country with its plants. Several different varieties have been developed by the Ecke family and have been named after Albert and his wife, Henrietta.