6 Christmas Traditions You Didn’t Know Existed
1. The King Cake Tradition
The King Cake tradition is very similar to the doughnut cake tradition. It originated in Europe and it has spread to many different countries since it’s beginnings in the 1800’s.
The tradition started from a French custom of bringing a special, rich cake, called brioche meaning “buttery bread,” to celebrate the Epiphany on January 6th. People who saw these rich cakes remarked that they looked like crowns, so these cakes became known as King Cakes in France.
2. The Christmas Dinner Tradition
The Christmas dinner tradition can be traced at least back to the 18th century. Originally, it was a time for families to come together and celebrate the season. The Christmas dinner tradition is still alive and well in today’s society and families still gather for this celebratory meal.
3. The Caroling Tradition
The Caroling tradition of going out at Christmas time is not something new. It was first started in the early 1800s and then eventually became a Christmas tradition in the 1880s. People would go door-to-door singing songs for their neighbors or friends. They would do this for many reasons such as to share their love, joy, and happiness with those around them while also asking for food and money. This is where many people believe caroling began.
4. The Christmas Stocking Tradition
The Christmas stocking tradition was brought to America by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. Today, many families keep this tradition alive every Christmas season. The stocking is usually hung by the fireplace with care in hopes that Santa will fill it up with goodies on Christmas Eve.
5. The Fruitcake Christmas Tradition
Fruitcake is a sweet, rich, moist cake made from dried fruit and nuts. It may contain brandy or other spirits, spices, raisins and candied peel.
It is claimed that the tradition of sending fruitcakes at Christmas is as old as the custom of sending gifts at the end of the year. The tradition of eating fruitcake on Christmas goes back to ancient times in many cultures.
6. The Mistletoe Tradition
In ancient Rome, there was an old tradition that whoever caught a sprig of mistletoe on New Year’s Day would be granted their wishes for the coming year but only one wish per person!