What is the German Christkind?

The German Christkind ("Christ-child") is the traditional, angelic gift-bringer for children on Christmas Eve in3 Southern/Western Germany, Austria, and parts of Europe. Often portrayed as a blonde, winged girl in white and gold, this figure was popularized by Martin Luther to replace St. Nicholas, shifting focus to Christ.

What is Germany's version of Christmas?

Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪnaxtn̩]) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

What exactly is a Belsnickel?

The term “Belsnickeling” comes from Belsnickel, a companion figure to Santa Claus in German folklore. Think of Belsnickel as the stern equivalent to the jolly Saint Nick. Belsnickel traditionally dressed in furs (or sometimes rags, depending on the area) and carried a switch (a small wooden whip).

What does Christkind look like?

The Christkind is a sprite-like child, usually depicted with blond hair and angelic wings. Martin Luther intended it to be a reference to the incarnation of Jesus as an infant (see Christ Child).

Why is it called Christkindl?

The name “Christkindl” derives from the Christ Child, who is the central figure of the Christmas celebration in many European cultures. The markets were originally known as “Krippenmärkte” or “Krippenmarkt,” referring to the nativity scenes that were common features of these markets.

Meet the Germans: Shabnam meets the Christkind

What is the tradition of Christkindl in Germany?

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.

What does Christkind mean in German?

She looks like an angel, while her name, “Christkind,” translates to “Christ child” in German. The Christkind is the bearer of Christmas gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, just as Santa Claus is to children in the United States.

What are the five Christmas traditions in Germany?

Here are ten of our favorite German Christmas traditions, with some historical background, anecdotes and even delicious recipe suggestions.

• Advent Calendar (Adventskalendar) ...
• Advent wreath (Adventskranz) ...
• St. ...
• Krampus Night (Krampus Nacht) ...
• Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) ...
• Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

What is Christkindl in English?

​a US name for Father Christmas. It comes from the German word Christkindl, meaning Christ child, because German children believe that the baby Jesus brings presents during the Christmas season.

Is Santa Claus German or Turkish?

Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Greek Christian bishop of Myra (now Demre) in the region of Lycia in the Roman Empire, today in Turkey.

What do Germans do on the 25th and 26th of December?

On December 25th (First Christmas Day) and 26th (Second Christmas Day, Zweiter Weihnachtstag), Germans enjoy official public holidays focused on quiet family time, large festive meals with traditional foods like roast goose or carp, exchanging gifts (which often happens on Christmas Eve), and visiting relatives, with most shops remaining closed as the celebration continues after the main gift-giving on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend).
 

Is Krampus the same as Belsnickel?

Both are figures from German folklore who punish naughty children, but they differ in their origins and appearance: Krampus is a demonic, goat-like creature from Alpine regions, while Belsnickel is a more human, shaggy, and patched figure from the Palatinate region and Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

What do Germans say instead of "merry Christmas"?

Frohe Weihnachten is the classic for Merry Christmas in German. It is short, spot on and easy to learn — even for beginners. Frohe means joyful and Weihnachten of course translates to Christmas. Nothing could describe this magical time of the year with all its treats, decorations and stories better.

What do they call Santa in Germany?

Santa Claus - Der Weihnachtsmann

The term Weihnachtsmann is a very generic German term for Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus.

How long do Germans leave the Christmas tree up?

Once the tree has been decorated on Christmas Eve, the tree remains in the house for the 12 days of Christmas, which ends on January 6. Also known as Epiphany, the day which the wise men were said to visit baby Jesus. However, some Catholic parts of Germany keep their tree up until February 2nd (Candlemas).

What do Germans call Christmas Eve?

In German culture, the main day of Christmas celebration is Christmas Eve, also known as “Heiligabend”. During the day, stores and most businesses are only open until noon or the early afternoon.

What is the German Christmas myth?

In Central European folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as "half-goat, half- demon", who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved. This contrasts with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.

What do Germans wear on Christmas?

A Christmas Dirndl is a traditional German dress adapted for the holiday season. Unlike normal Dirndls, those function festive sunglasses like purple, inexperienced, gold, and deep blue, frequently accented with embroidery of snowflakes, holly, or reindeer.

What do Germans have instead of Santa?

In many parts of Germany, it's not Santa Claus who brings kids their presents but Christkind. Traditionally depicted as an angelic figure, Christkind brings presents on the evening of December 24th and places them under the Christmas tree.

Why is Christkind a female?

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.

Why did Krampus get banned?

Krampus was banned at various times by authorities, including the Catholic Church and fascist governments in 20th-century Austria, because his devilish appearance and menacing customs were seen as too scary for children, too pagan, or linked to socialism, with officials fearing the tradition harmed children's mental health and promoted devil worship. While suppressed, the tradition survived and has seen a major resurgence as an alternative, edgier holiday figure.
 

What does Christkindl mean in English?

/ˌkrɪs ˈkrɪŋɡl/ /ˌkrɪs ˈkrɪŋɡl/ ​a US name for Father Christmas. It comes from the German word Christkindl, meaning Christ child, because German children believe that the baby Jesus brings presents during the Christmas season.

What are the rules of Kris Kringle?

Everyone draws a name (or uses an online generator) and secretly buys a small present for that person. Budgets are usually agreed upfront — $10, $20 or $30 — so no one feels outspent or left out. There are two main versions: Traditional Kris Kringle: Each person receives one gift, revealed at the end.

What do Germans do on the 25th of December?

On 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26 December, usually the family gets together for celebrations and also the religious Christians will visit Christmas mass during these days. The German festive season starts at the end of November or early December with the Advent celebrations.