Curious Facts About Christmas

Christmas is now just around the corner and people are starting to get into the festive spirit. One of the best ways to do this, and a way to impress your colleagues or loved ones, is to wow them with a few facts about the holidays. Keep reading for a few of the most interesting facts about Christmas that are sure to impress over the holidays.

There are 733 Versions of “Silent Night”

There are few Christmas songs that are as magical as “Silent Night”. The lyrics were written (in German) in 1816 with music added two years later by Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber and since 1978 has been recorded an incredible 733 times (nearly twice s much as second-placed “Joy to the World”.

Germans Started the Christmas Tree Tradition

The origins of Christmas trees is hotly debated amongst historians, but it is said that it is Germany that started the tradition as we know it today. This started in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into the home. Martin Luther (no, not that one) first added lighted candles to a tree after being inspired by the stars.

Kissing Under Mistletoe Protects Against Evil

Kissing under the mistletoe is a tradition that will always divide opinion, but it is certainly one of the more common traditions over the holidays. Mistletoe is actually an ancient symbol that is supposed to ward off evil spirits. In other cultures, mistletoe is a symbol of fertility and is considered an aphrodisiac.

The Christmas Colours Have Meaning

The official colours of Christmas are red, gold and green and they are not just rich colours that evoke the festive spirit. These colours actually have meaning with red representing the blood of Christ, gold symbolising light and richness and green representing life.

German Protestants Invented Advent Calendars

Everyone enjoys opening up a new window on their advent calendar each day in December. We have German protestants to thank for the invention of advent calendars when they would make chalk marks on doors or light candles to count the days leading to Christmas. These days, chocolate advent calendars are the best way to countdown to Christmas 2021 and to get in the festive spirit.

December 25th is Not Mentioned in the Bible

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, but the actual date of this event is not clear and there is no mention of December 25th in the Bible with many historians stating that he was born in spring. Some state that this date was chosen to coincide with the pagan festival of Saturnalia.

Hopefully, this post will teach you a thing or two and equip you with a few interesting facts to impress people around the dinner table this Christmas.