by Dawn E Denmar

Created on: October 22, 2009   Last Updated: October 24, 2009

The modern Christmas is such a multi-faceted celebration, with a rich and varied tapestry of traditions, that it is often surprizing to learn that many of our Christmas customs originated in Medieval times. Of course, Christmas in the Middle Ages was far more of a religious festivity than now, with the focal point being the birth of Christ and celebrations lasting until 6 January. Indeed, the first recorded instance of the word Christmas was in the year 1038 in Saxon England with the word Christes Maesse.

Traditions such as the Yule Log and the link between evergreen foliage and Christmas originated even earlier than the Middle Ages and can be traced back to the pagan Norse, Celt and Roman societies in Europe. However, the fact that traditions such as these for Christmas decorating survived through the Dark Ages of Europe is proof of their enduring popularity.

Certainly many of the Medieval Christmas traditions developed through Christian worship so were a little different to the modern Xmas which is a secular celebration for many. Although it is surprising to note that even the tradition of Christmas gift giving originated in ancient times.

Some of the customs and traditions relating to the celebration of Christmas with origins in Medieval times are listed below:

Giving Gifts for Christmas - Whereas now the giving and receiving of gifts tends to play a major role at Christmas, it is interesting to note the Medieval origins of gift giving and the role played by the Church in this tradition. The origin of the gift giving Santa Claus, Sinter Klaas, Father Christmas, Pere Noel is steeped in legend which dates back to Norse times. However, gift giving at Christmas became part of the religious celebration of the feast based on Saint Nicholas of Greece, the legendary gift giving Saint. In the 1500s the name Santa Claus was changed to Father Christmas in England to refute any connection to the Catholic St Nicholas.

Christmas Tree Decorating for Homes at Xmas - In the pagan Norse and Celt tradition, evergreens were a symbol that spring and summer would return and were used as decorations for the celebration of the Winter Solstice. The Romans also had a tradition of decorating trees as part of their celebration of Saturnalia. It is unsurprising therefore that the tradition of using evergreen foliage and trees continued into medieval times. The origin of the decorated indoor Christmas tree is believed to be in medieval Germany where fir trees for indoor decoration became

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