Change Christmas: from Nikolaus to Christ child and Santa Claus!

Change Christmas: from Nikolaus to Christ child and Santa Claus!

The anticipation for Christmas is noticeable, and this year again children ask many questions about the festival. In an interview, Pastor Dr. Burkhard Meyer-Najda insights into the various traditions connected to the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree symbolizes life and joy, even if there is snow outside. "It is reminiscent of life in nature. Green is the color of growing and thriving," explains Meyer-Najda. But not only the tree is an issue. The children ask: "Who brings the gifts?" - And the answer is in the colorful "Christmas mixing bowl": Santa Claus, Christ child and many hard -working helpers are the gift brandy. As dieHharke.de reports, everyone receives an answer according to his ideas, the traditions mix and the children can be creative.

The design diversity of gift

Speculation about who brings the gifts are diverse. Nicholas, who traditionally brings gifts on December 6th, has experienced a change over the years. With the Reformation, the Christ child was significantly more important. It is said that Martin Luther introduced it to reduce the veneration of saints and to strengthen the belief in Jesus Christ. "The whole system is broken up with the Reformation," explains folklorist Gunther Hirschfeld. Today Santa Claus shows itself as an advertising figure that is strongly connected to consumption, while the Christ child comes back to the fore, as Br.de . The mixture of numerous traditions makes gift an exciting question in the families of today. Parents report various figures such as Santa and the Italian Befana that combine the traditions from different cultures.

The gifts themselves have adopted a different type of nature today. In the past, they symbolized the gift of God, now they are often an expression of affection and social bond. In this regard, Christmas remains a contemporary festival that continues to connect people. With the change in the figures, however, the mysterious atmosphere of the festival remains, and it remains exciting how these traditions will develop in the future.