Why do Americans celebrate Christmas on the 25th in the morning?
Why do Germans celebrate Christmas on the 24th in the evening?
Why do Americans have a Santa Claus?
Why do Germans have a Christkind?
Who is Santa Claus? (History)
Who is the Christkind? (History)
What about the UK, Australia and Canada? When do they celebrate Christmas?
Tell me about your country? 24th? 25th?
2006-11-08 06:42:47 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Well how come St. Nicholas comes on the 25th in the USA and on the 6th in Germany?
2006-11-08 06:47:37 · update #1
6th of December...
The three Kings are on the 6th of January
They brought the three presents for baby Jesus
2006-11-08 06:49:57 · update #2
The absolute best source came from Max Marie. It is what I use personally when I want the answers to these questions. It all started with the Bishop of Myra. People wanted to carry on his tradition of secret giving and came up with different ideas all around the world, as well as the name given to the legendary figure. The Dutch brought Sinter Claas to the United States and as usual we butchered the name hence we have Santa Claus. The day or the name really does not make any difference, the true magic and spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.
2006-11-08 13:13:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do Spaniards do all this on Epiphany, January 6th with the Three Kings?
Celebrating in the evening is called a vigil. It's the Christmas vigil.
Santa Claus is a mispronunciation of Saint Nicholas - who was a bishop, hence the red suit. See the link below for historical data on Saint Nick.
2006-11-08 06:46:22 · answer #2 · answered by Max Marie, OFS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
German tradition has it that the Christkind (Christ Child) brings the gifts.
The night before Christmas is when the celebration happens-The wise men were following a Star to their destination-it was night when they got there.
Santa Claus I understand comes from "Sinter Klaus"(Dutch?) for St Nicholas,the Patron saint of Children.
(Hence St Nick)
In Germany,Santa Claus is known as "WeinachtsMann"-he doesn't feature as prominently as Santa does in English speaking countries.
I always understood Santa's red suit was a promotional coup by Coca Cola,ever since supplying GI's in Europe during WWII!
2006-11-08 17:13:08 · answer #3 · answered by Devmeister 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋