It s fair to say we all have some traditions around Christmas. It could a special family tradition, or maybe even a regional or national tradition. But like with most things..I often wonder why? And where did those traditions come from? Let s find out and thanks to Readers Digest for doing much of the leg work.
1) Why do we bake Christmas cookies
Ancient peoples gathered around the winter solstice to feast before cold weather wiped away their crops. Wine and beer that had been fermenting since spring were finally ready to drink. Christmas replaced these solstice celebrations by the Middle Ages, but the feasting continued with an all important addition of desserts. Bakers brought out expensive ingredients like butter, lard, and sugar for such festive occasions, and they started experimenting with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. The result? Delicious Christmas cookies to share with friends and family.
Pagan Survivals in Medieval Holiday Celebrations
By Kathryn Walton
Many of the most signature parts of Christmas in the Middle Ages (and today) actually come from pagan rather than Christian traditions. So, if you want to find out how you can make your Christmas and end of year celebrations just a little bit more pagan, read on!
Christmas held a central position in the medieval church and in medieval society. Surviving accounts of Christmas and New Years paint a vibrant image of a festive event filled with merriment, feasting, foolery, and gifts. If you want to learn more about what a medieval Christmas might have looked like, check out the features on