The Christkind (German for "Christ-child") is the traditional, angelic gift-bringer on Christmas Eve in Austria, Southern/Western Germany, Switzerland, and other Central European regions. Originating in the 16th century via Martin Luther, it is often depicted as a golden-haired, sprite-like figure in white robes.
The Christkind (German for 'Christ-child'; pronounced [ˈkʁɪstˌkɪnt]), also called Christkindl, is the traditional Christmas gift-bringer in Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Southern Germany and Western Germany, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the eastern part of Belgium, Portugal, Slovakia, ...
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).
Why do we celebrate Christmas? Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is more than a Christian holiday or Christian festival. It is more than an occasion to decorate our houses. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus – our Saviour and friend.
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.
Christkind: How this Christmas Gift-Bringer Differs from Santa Claus
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.
The Scriptures neither command nor forbid the celebration of Christmas. Christians should celebrate and remember the Lord and what He has done for us, including His birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection every day, including Christmas.
What does it mean when Mary pondered in her heart?
Mary was making memories. She was collecting a sort of mental scrapbook. The other key word in this verse is the word, “pondered.” The Greek word means “to throw thoughts together; mull over, draw conclusions, consider, confer mentally.” Another definition for ponder is to wonder at a deep level.
Everybody knows St. Nicholas as the inspiration for modern-day Santa Clause. But what you may not know is an insanely dark and gory origin story in how he became known as the Father of Christmas. It all has to do with a French butcher (or in an 1150 AD version of the tale, an Innkeeper) who some say craved human flesh.
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).
Does St. Nick come on the night of the 5th or 6th?
Nick? If you choose to celebrate this tradition, don't forget that St. Nick comes on December 6th in the morning (so the stockings need to be filled in the evening on the 5th).
Theologically, the Christkind refers to the newborn baby Jesus – the incarnation of God, explains Gehm. “In popular custom, however, it evolved into an independent figure who brings the presents: angelic in appearance, often with blond curls, a white robe and a golden halo.
The dark history of Christmas includes pagan roots in winter solstice festivals like Saturnalia, featuring role reversals and revelry, along with Norse myths of the god Odin leading the "Wild Hunt". Christian traditions themselves carry darker elements like Krampus punishing naughty children and the biblical Massacre of the Innocents, while some early celebrations were banned (like in England under Cromwell) due to perceived paganism or excess, showing a complex, sometimes violent, evolution from ancient customs to modern holiday.
English suggests that John was conceived on Yom Kippur, and dates this to the autumn equinox the year before Jesus's birth. He thus dates Jesus's conception to the following spring equinox and concludes that Jesus was born on 25 December.
There are two schools of thought on why Christians should not celebrate Christmas. The first says celebrating Christmas is wrong because it's a man-made holiday not found in the Bible. The second objection is that Christmas is a pagan holiday, or at least has pagan roots.
Orthodox and Coptic Christians don't believe Jesus was born on a different day; they just use a different calendar. Millions of Christians, including those in Eastern Europe and across the Arab world, such as Palestine and Egypt, are celebrating Christmas today.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus's birthday is on Christmas?
Although Jesus' birth is celebrated every year on December 25, Luke and the other gospel writers offer no hint about the specific time of year he was born. Photo: Scala/Art Resource, NY.
Christmas ornaments, baubles, globes, "Christmas bulbs", or "Christmas bubbles" are decoration items, usually to decorate Christmas trees. These decorations may be woven, blown (glass or plastic), molded (ceramic or metal), carved from wood or expanded polystyrene, or made by other techniques.
Given that different fir tree species are among the most popular Christmas trees in Germany, during the Christmas season “der Tannenbaum" can also be used interchangeably with the word for Christmas tree, “Weihnachtsbaum”.
The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world!
