Our holiday traditions come from many cultures. American Society can best be defined in the way traditions are celebrated and observed. This is especially evident during the Christmas holidays.
Here in northern New England we are fortunate to have a diverse population of people whose immigrant ancestors came from around the globe and brought their sacred and honored holiday traditions with them. Over time, we have adopted and assimilated many traditions without realizing where they come from or why we observe them.
Popular Holiday Traditions
According to the popular children’s poem “The Night Before Christmas,” The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.” Our English ancestors gave us this tradition. According to legend, Santa accidentally dropped gold coins into a stocking that was drying by the fire as he slid down the chimney.
When you decorate your door with that wreath this year, give thanks to the Poles who made straw wreaths in remembrance of the manger. The Italians took this tradition a step further by decorating their wreaths with fruit to signify abundance in the New Year.
Although Christmas Caroling has a long tradition in Boston’s Louisburg Square, it actually originated in Puerto Rico, where “Three Wise Men” visit homes playing Christmas Carols on their guitars in remembrance of the original Three Wise Men.
In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on Dec. 5. Children set their shoes beside the hearth for “Sinterklass” to fill, with each child leaving a large carrot for St. Nick’s white steed. St. Nick is accompanied by one or more “Black Peters,” and rides on rooftops tossing presents down each chimney.
The poinsettias that decorate many homes is actually called the Christmas Eve Flower, and comes from Mexico, while our Christmas trees are of German origin. The Germans brought green boughs into their homes at this time of year to add color and cheer to the dark season.
Holiday Food
What would the holidays be without all the food? The most treasured gifts by far are those that come from the kitchen of a friend or relative, with accompanying good wishes.
Breads are the staple of many traditions. People from the Ukraine brought us their Kolach, a bread that also serves as a centerpiece for the holiday table. The Greeks place a coin in the center of their bread, and it’s believed that whoever finds the coin will have a lucky year, while Italians gave us Pandoro, a special holiday bread that takes a week to prepare.
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without all those cookies. Scandinavians gave us a cookie fried on a special rosette iron then sprinkled with powdered sugar, while the Italians gave us their biscotti to accompany our favorite beverage.
Our meals are as diverse as the people who brought them here from other lands. The Irish re-set their tables after the meal with their traditional soda bread, a pitcher of milk and a huge lighted candle. Doors are left unlocked on Christmas Eve to welcome Joseph, Mary and whoever might be traveling that night.
Those of Scandinavian origin might enjoy ham or pork, herring and brown beans on Christmas Eve, while our English cousins prefer roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, and those of French lineage laden their tables with the best meats and wine they can find.
Our “turkey with all the trimmings” comes from Eastern Europe, while other cultures might enjoy a heartier, spicier meal.
This year as we gather together with family and friends, let’s celebrate and share the diversity and origins of our holiday traditions.
Merry Christmas to all!
By Marianne L. Kelly for Northern New England.com.
