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 idea that the Christkind brings children their Christmas gifts goes back to the protestant reformer, Martin Luther (1483-1546). In Luther's time, it was traditional to give children gifts on December 6th, St. Nicolas's Day.
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.
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.
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.
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).
What does Santa Claus look like? Today's most common depiction of Santa Claus is of a portly white-bearded gentleman dressed in a red suit with a black belt and white fur trim, black boots, and a soft red cap with white fur trim.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
But some things are different in Austria: For instance, did you know that here, it's not Father Christmas or Santa Claus who brings the presents – it's the “Christkind” (the Christ Child, Baby Jesus). It comes in the form of an angel, with white feathery wings, a halo above its head, and blond curls.
Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪ̯naxtn̩]) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Santa is known as 'Sheng dan Lao ren' in Mandarin, which translates as 'Christmas Old Man', and he is seen as a non-religious figure who lives in a fairytale Arctic Christmas Village in China's North Pole.
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.
The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ's day”) is of fairly recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic jōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice.
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 modern figure of Santa is based on folklore traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, the English figure of Father Christmas, and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas.
