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 commonplace, and if a tree was unavailable a pyramid of evergreen boughs would be hung with various decorations. The practice of the indoor Christmas tree gradually permeated Europe but did not become common in Britain until Victorian times with the marriage of Queen Victoria to the German Prince Albert.
Origin of Christmas Cards - Although the posting and giving of Christmas cards did not fall into common use until the 1800s with the advent of the popular printing press, Medieval wood engravers produced prints with Christmas themes throughout the Middle Ages.
Christmas Food - Many of the traditional foods eaten at Christmas today, originated from Medieval recipes. Roast fowl, such as woodcock, goose and even swan would be eaten, Christmas Pudding and mince pies have their origins in the Middle Ages, although would not resemble modern puddings much as they originally contained meat and even vegetables as well as the more traditional fruits and alcohol. Recipes for Plum puddings and fruitcakes also originated in Medieval times, a traditional Scottish pudding for Christmas and other celebrations is called Cloutie Dumpling. Christmas Cookies and Gingerbread biscuits and cakes also originated in the Middle Ages in Europe, many of them in Germany. Christmas was also the traditional time of year for peasants to pay rent to the Lord of the Manor, in return the Lord would hold a Christmas feast for his peasants and serfs, perhaps the origin of the Christmas Dinner or meal tradition.
Carol Singing - Some believe the practice of carol singing originated with the pagan guisers of Scotland and Ireland who would call from door to door, performing songs, jokes, or a dance or short play for which they would be rewarded with money, treats, beer, ale or cakes. Certainly the wandering minstrels and troubadours of Medieval times would have assisted in the growth of carol singing at Christmas time, distributing the common songs and carols orally to a population that was unable to read or write. The Tradition of Wassailing also originated in the Middle Ages and has been credited with contributing to the popularity of Christmas Carolling.
One popular Xmas Carol of Medieval Origin - The music for the highly popular and traditional Christmas Carol 'Good King Wenceslaus' was originally written in the 13th Century, probably in Scandinavia. The carol is based on a tale of Duke Wenceslaus of Czechoslovakia and the Feast of Stephen is actually on 26th December (More information on this and the origins of other carols can be found in the link at the foot of this page).
The First Nativity Scene or Christmas Crib - The first nativity scene was created by St Francis of Assisi in the 14th Century in Italy. The habit of placing miniature scenes of the nativity in church was soon popular in churches athroughout Europe. Indeed, the popularity of the nativity scene of St Francis is also credited with the origins of acting out Nativity Plays and the singing of Christmas carols in public.
Some Traditional British Customs dating back to Medieval Times which are still practised in the 21st Century, are:
- The Devil's Knell of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, where the Church Bell Ringers gather at 10pm on Christmas Eve and ring as many strokes of the bell as there are years since the birth of Christm with the last stroke times to coincide with the chiming of the Town Hall clock at midnight on Christmas Day. The custom was established by Sir Thomas de Southill in either the 14th or 15th Century and is supposed to ward off the Devil for the coming year.
- Bampton Mummers of 24 December. Mumming is a medieval play which will either be silent or conducting in a muttering undertone. The Bampton play tells the tale of St George, Father Christmas and Robin Hood amongst others.
- Sword Dance, Handsworth, South Yorkshire of 26 December. The Handsworth sword dance was originally part of widespread pagan celebrations.
Sources:
Christmas Food on the Food Timeline
Once a Year, Some Traditional British Customs by Homer Sykes