What is the German Christmas Christkind?

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 is the Christkind German Christmas?

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.

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.

What is the German Christmas Kringle?

From Christkindl to Kris Kringle

Originally, 'Christkindl', a German term meaning 'Christ Child', referred to the religious figure of the infant Jesus. This figure was believed to bring gifts to children during Christmas. This depiction was deeply rooted in the Christian traditions of Germany and other parts of Europe.

What is the Christmas tradition in Germany?

In Germany, people use an Adventskranz, or advent wreath, with four candles on it to celebrate the four advents or the four Sundays before Christmas. On each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas Eve, a candle is lit. After lightning the first candle, the Christmas season officially begins.

Meet the Germans: Shabnam meets the Christkind

What is traditionally eaten on Christmas Day in Germany?

A German Christmas dinner

Weihnachtsgans, or Christmas goose, is a popular choice, although you'll find plenty of households that opt for turkey or duck. The fowl is usually served roasted and stuffed with apples, dates, chestnuts and prunes.

What is the German Christmas myth?

On Christmas Eve, Krampus travels with a sack or a basket strapped to his back; this is to cart off evil children for drowning, eating, or transport to Hell. Some of the older versions make mention of naughty children being put in the bag and taken away.

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 is Germany's version of Santa?

Santa Claus - Der Weihnachtsmann

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

Is Kris Kringle the same as Santa?

By 1845 "Kris Kringle" (from "Christkindl(e)", German for "Christ-child") was a common variant of Santa in parts of the United States.

Why do Germans open their presents on Christmas Eve?

In the Middle Ages, St. Nicholas brought gifts on December 6, which at the time was the only Christmas gift-giving day during the festive season. Nowadays, Germans typically exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, but the Nikolaustag tradition continues.

How is the Christkind chosen?

Since 1969, the Nuremberg Christkind has been chosen every two years by an election process. Young Nuremberg women are invited to apply for this voluntary post.

What is a traditional German Christmas gift?

Why is it called Christkindl?

Christkindl Markt's take their name from the Christkindl, which is an angelic messenger of the Christ child. Historically, Christkind was introduced after the reformation by the Protestants who considered St. Nicholas to be reminiscent of the Pope.

What do Germans call the day after Christmas?

Second Christmas Day (or Boxing Day) | December, 26

The day after Christmas, or Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag, is also a public holiday.

What do Germans do on the 6th of December?

Christmas starts early in Germany. On the night of December 5th-6th, Nikolaustag, St. Nicholas Day, children leave their shoes or boots outside the front door. That night, Santa Claus, Nikolaus, visits and fills them with chocolates, oranges and nuts if they've been good.

What is a Belsnickel German Christmas?

Belsnickel is a man wearing fur which covers his entire body, and he sometimes wears a mask with a long tongue. He is a rather scary creature who visits children at Christmas time and delivers socks or shoes full of candy, but if the children were not good, they will find coal in their stockings instead.

What does Krampus do to children?

While St. Nicholas rewards nice children by leaving presents, Krampus beats those who are naughty with branches and sticks. In some cases, he is said to eat them or take them to hell. On December 6, St.

What is the German Christmas tradition evil?

Every year in early December, children in Germany and Austria anxiously prepare for a visit from St. Nicholas. Those who were good will be rewarded with presents and treats, but those who misbehaved will face his menacing partner, Krampus, the devilish figure who beats naughty children and drags them off to hell!

What do Germans call Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve (Heiliger Abend) is a day of celebrations for Germans. Traditionally, many households will spend the day decorating the tree, preparing food for the family and sprucing up the home. As soon as the night draws in, households will gather around the tree.

What does Christkindl look like?

The Christkind is a sprite-like child, usually depicted with blond hair and angelic wings.

What is eaten on Christmas Day in Germany?

At the centre of a German Christmas evening spread you'll usually find a roasted goose, turkey or duck, traditionally served with lovely plump bread dumplings – the classic round ones, or one great big festive loaf-shaped one, known as a Serviettenknödel (pictured sliced, above), plus braised red cabbage or stewed kale ...

Why don't Germans celebrate Christmas?

No. Although it is a Christian festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Germans with no particular religious beliefs also celebrate Christmas. Last year, 81 percent of the people living in Germany celebrated Christmas. Celebrating this festival is an important family tradition.

Is Krampus evil or good?

According to the Alpine cultures, there were spirits called "Pektin" or "Pectin" (not to be confused with the structural molecule pectin). Some of these spirits are good and some of them are bad, and Krampus is most definitely one of the bad ones.