Martin Luther and Christmas
German Holiday Traditions Related to the Protestant Reformation
During the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th Century, many old customs were abandoned in favor of new ones believed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Martin Luther is most famous for beginning the Protestant Reformation when he posted his 95 Theses on the church doors in Wittenburg, Germany in 1517. While he did help start an entirely new branch of Christianity, Martin Luther was also great lover of the Christmas season.
Martin Luther and The Christmas Tree
One German legend claims that Martin Luther was responsible for introducing the use of Christmas trees in the home, in Germany. According to the legend, on his way home one evening, Martin Luther was so overcome by the beauty of a fir tree and stars in the sky, he wanted to tell his family about it. However, upon returning home, words failed him, so he went out and chopped the down and brought it home to share with his family. To mimic the stars that hung over the manger where Christ was born, Martin Luther decorated the tree with candle tapers. This was thought to be the first traditional Christmas tree in Germany.
Christkindl
Another popular German Christmas tradition attributed to Martin Luther is that of the Christkindl. Christkindl means “Christ Child.” In Germany the Christkindl is the bringer of gifts for children. According to legend, Martin Luther was distressed over the growing popularity of Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas (who is the patron saint of sailors, children and unmarried maidens) has long been associated with giving gifts at Christmas time to children and is still popular in many parts of Europe, especially The Netherlands. However, Martin Luther thought the belief in Saint Nicholas took away from the true meaning of Christmas, which was to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Therefore, he is credited with introducing the Christkindl to Germany and parts of Switzerland.
The Christkindl, usually portrayed by a young girl with a golden crown and wings, is the main attraction at Christmas parties, as she passes out presents to the other children.
During the 18th Century, German and Swiss immigrants, settling in Pennsylvania, brought the tradition of the Christkindl with them. Over time, as English settlers began to populate the area, the word Christkindl was simplified to Kriss Kringle, and became another name for Santa Clause.
Click here for more information on Christmas in Germany.
Sources:
Barth, Edna. Holly, Reindeer and Colored Lights: The Story of the Christmas Symbols. New York: Clarion Books, 1971.
Giblin, James. The Truth About Santa Clause. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1985.
Lankford, Mary. Christmas Around the World. New York: Morrow Junior Books, 1995.
Wernecke, Herbert. Christmas Customs Around The World. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press.
