In the Lutheran church after the children's service they receive a bag of oranges and peanuts, sometimes with a little hard candy. Does anyone know the meaning of this?
2006-12-19 07:35:18 · 2 answers · asked by ShadyLady328 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
I believe it came from slavery times. During the Christmas celebrations, the "Master" would line up the slaves on his plantation and give them a "Christmas gif", usually the small sack of oranges, peppermint candy and peanuts would be accompanied by shoes, clothes or whatever other rations the slaves would recieve for the year. In some cases, the adults might be allowed a small ration of whisky or spirits.
2006-12-19 07:47:55 · answer #1 · answered by Mrs. E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Originally, only children and servants received gifts at Christmas time. Oranges, peanuts and candy were once very rare items on the average table, and would have been quite a treat for any child.
2006-12-19 17:36:20 · answer #2 · answered by SmartAleck 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋