The Christkind, a fairy-like being dressed in gold and white robes with a crown upon her golden locks, is the namesake of the Christkindlmarket. Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: parades during the holiday season were guided by one “grand” angel, the Christkind.
It was most likely the medieval German tradition of Christmas plays, with an Angel of the Annunciation as the main character, which gave the Christmas Angel its earthly appearance. As angels of all sorts began to be depicted as female and not only male, the Christkind also took on a feminine appearance.
The Christkind (German for 'Christ-child'; pronounced [ˈkʁɪstkɪnt]), also called Christkindl, is the traditional Christmas gift-bringer in Austria, Switzerland, southern and western Germany, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the eastern part of Belgium, Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary, parts of ...
The tradition of giving gifts to children on Christmas became a boon to the Markets. Martin Luther suggested that children receive presents from “The Christ Child”, Christkindl. German Christmas Markets are called Christkindlmarkt.
Traditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.
Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: parades during the holiday season were guided by one “grand” angel, the Christkind. Since then, and still today, she is the bearer of gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Claus is in the United States.
Christkind was created in the 16th century by Protestant Martin Luther. He had become increasingly frustrated with the Catholic Church's idolization of saints, as he thought that only Jesus Christ should be a prominent figure.
The Christkindl (Christ Child) figure, as a gift giver, was introduced by Martin Luther in Germany during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Because the doctrine of the reformation believed that praying to Saints was idol worship, the gift giver, St. Nicholas was replaced with the Christkindl.
In parts of Austria, Germany, northern Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, and several other central European countries the traditional bringer of Christmas gifts each year is the Christkind or Christ Child.
The modern figure of Santa is based on folklore traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, the English figure of Father Christmas, and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas.
- They should either have been born in Nuremberg or have lived here for a long time. - They must be at least 16 years old, but no older than 19. - They must be at least 160 centimeters tall and not be afraid of heights. - They must be willing to work in any weather.
The Nuremberg Christkind, with her white and golden dress, long blond curls and golden crown, has been the symbol of the Christmas Market for many decades. In fact, the event – the “Christkindlesmarkt” – is named for her.
Although it is the Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is also celebrated by Germans who do not profess any faith – by 78% in all. Celebrating Christmas is an important family tradition for most people. Roughly one in four Germans go to church at Christmas.
The legend of the Krampus dates back centuries, originating as a German Christmas tradition during the 12th century. Beginning in early December, the children of Germany would begin to hear whispers of a dark haired creature bearing horns and fangs, carrying a bundle of birch sticks used to swat naughty children.
Krampus is a mythical creature who is often depicted with horns and a demon-like face. According to myth, which likely originated in what is now Germany and Austria, the creature punished children who behaved badly.
It took a full year of education, inspiration and determination, but finally in 1988, Mifflinburg's first Christkindl opened in December, hosting vendors in twenty huts on a closed street. Though other German themed events took place throughout the United States, none occurred completely outdoors.
Where do children leave their letters for Christkind in Germany?
The largest Christmas post office in Germany is located in the little town of Himmelpfort, in the eastern state of Brandenburg, which received 300,000 letters last year.
This German Christmas custom is one of the most popular traditions. The angels are usually placed on the Christmas tree, or on sideboards. In some families, angels are passed down through the generations and include special meanings, such as hope, joy and prosperity.
The church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25 in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, possibly to weaken pagan traditions.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the word Christmas originates from the phrase “Cristes Maesse”, first recorded in 1038, which means the Mass of Christ or Christ's Mass.
