Christmas is celebrated in numerous nations and in a wide range of ways. Numerous traditions and decorations that we utilize to make the holiday unique have interesting histories and maybe even hidden origins. As you read through these amazing Christmas fun facts, put your Christmas trivia knowledge to the test.
1 - Germany is where the tradition of Christmas trees originated.
Christmas trees gained huge popularity in the Victorian era and are frequently linked to Prince Albert, who passionately embraced the custom. However, Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, brought the concept to Britain for the first time when she hung ornaments and gifts from a yew tree. The custom of placing a star or an angel on top of the tree is one thing the Victorians did not leave us. In the 19th century, people started using plants like ivy and holly to decorate their homes.
2 - The three colors represent Christmas.
Red, green, and gold are the three classic hues used in most Christmas decorations. Gold symbolizes light, royalty, and prosperity, while red represents the blood of Christ and green represents life and rebirth.
3 - On Christmas Day, 22,000 people were served by a temporary London kitchen.
The Victorians placed a high value on the idea of doing charitable acts throughout the holiday season. Temporary kitchens have popped up to provide food and cheer to the poor and homeless in large cities where millions of people are living in poverty. In 1851, volunteers took Leicester Square in London and festooned it with banners, flowers, and holiday lights. They set up a Christmas kitchen where they served meals such as roast beef and rabbit pies; goose; potatoes; bread; biscuits; chestnuts; tea; and coffee.
4 - The Christmas wreath represents love and eternal life.
The wreath decor during Christmas is a representation of Jesus' crown of thorns. Red, green, and gold were afterwards introduced as the Christmas colors. Additionally, the evergreen foliage that is used to produce Christmas wreaths represents how nature and life continue even during the coldest winter months.
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5 - "Bangs of Expectation" were the names given to the first Christmas crackers.
Tom Smith, a confectioner, needed a way to market French-style candies that were wrapped in paper, which is why crackers were born. According to legend, he was motivated to include an explosive element when he noticed a log crackling on the fire. But in truth, it was his brother who had the original concept, perhaps influenced by some of the magic performances he had seen while working in the music halls. Tom Smith's crackers, sometimes known as "Bangs of Expectation," were introduced in the late 1840s and helped establish a brand-new Christmas tradition.
6 - Parliament banned the celebration of Christmas in 1644!
Oliver Cromwell, a Puritan who came to power in 1644, wanted England to follow Puritan principles. Puritan principles were imposed across the board through a law passed by the parliament. separating the nation from both Roman Catholicism and the Church of England. As a result, Christmas and other traditionally Christian holidays had to be abandoned. But many individuals continued to celebrate covertly until it was once again permitted.
7 - There is no truth to the rumor that Coca-Cola was the first to outfit Santa in red and white.
For generations, Santa Claus has been a part of British culture and tradition. He has appeared in a number of different guises as a cheery holiday spirit, a symbol of feasting and joy. He has appeared in practically every color over the years, including purple and gold, as well as natural colors like brown, green, and yellow. He frequently appeared in red and white art from the Victorian era. In early Coca-Cola advertisements, Santa Claus might therefore appear dressed in red, but this isn't where the image first originated.
8 - Christmas cards from the Victorian era were terrifying.
Henry Cole created the first Christmas card in 1843, and by the turn of the century, everyone was sending them. However, compared to the penguins and snowmen that decorate our cards now, the Victorians' preferred holiday pictures were much more bizarre and outlandish. A dead robin, kids riding flying bats, a guy being attacked by a bear, a mouse riding a lobster, and two little kids being bothered by a huge wasp are just a few of the strange images created by artists. The cards were handled like works of art, presented in exhibitions, and even subjected to critical evaluation.