2007-12-04 21:53:16 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
STOCKINGS
Long ago it was said that Saint Nicholas (now called Santa Claus) threw 3 coins down a chimney of the home of 3 poor sisters. Each of the coins landed inside separate stockings left on the hearth (fireplace) to dry. It is now a modern tradition to hang stockings there in hopes that we might have the same good fortune.
2007-12-04 21:58:53 · answer #1 · answered by jameperl 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that children hang on Christmas Eve so that Santa Claus can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins, or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as stocking stuffers or stocking fillers. In some Christmas stories, the contents of the Christmas stocking are the only toys the child receives at Christmas from Santa Claus. Other presents are wrapped up in wrapping paper and placed under the Christmas tree. Tradition in western culture dictates that a child who behaves badly during the year will receive only a piece of coal.
By tradition, the stocking is hung on the fireplace mantel, but, since many contemporary homes do not have fireplaces, stockings may be hung in almost any location.
The tradition began in Germany. Originally, children simply used one of their everyday socks, but eventually special Christmas stockings were created for this purpose. Today, stores carry a tremendous variety of styles and sizes of Christmas stockings, and Christmas stockings are also a popular homemade craft.
Many families create their own Christmas stockings with each family member's name applied to the stocking so that Santa will know which stocking belongs to which family member.
2007-12-04 22:03:31 · answer #2 · answered by Plocket 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many people believe that St. Nicholas’ tale of the poor nobleman served as the origin of the stocking. According to legend, a nobleman squandered all of his wealth and property after his wife died. So poor was he that he had to move to a peasant’s cottage and live a miserable existence. At that time, in order for a daughter to be married the parents had to provide a dowry to her future husband. This nobleman didn’t even have enough money left for his daughters to marry. St. Nicholas decided to help these people out, but anonymously. Perhaps he did not want the publicity, or maybe he did not want the man to feel obliged to him. After riding to the peasant home, he quickly dropped three pouches of gold coins down the chimney and they landed on the stockings that the girls had hung up to dry by the fireplace. The next morning, the girls were overjoyed with their find. It was more than enough money for them to get married and live happily ever after.
Another stocking legend has it that in Holland, children would leave their clogs by the fireplace filled with straw for Santa’s reindeer. Santa appreciated the gift, so in return for this kindness Santa Claus left the children treats in place of the straw. Later the clogs would become Christmas stockings.
Another possible creator of the Christmas stocking tradition comes from Germany in the 16th century. German children would hang their socks by the fireplace to dry after washing them. On Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas would fill these stockings with five gifts designed to stimulate each of the five senses. A typical stocking would be filled with:
Something to eat -- fruit, or candy
A toy or toys that make noise
An item that is visually pleasing like jewelry, cuff links, or a coloring book
An item with a good scent such as cologne or perfume
Something soft like modeling clay or a soft toy
Like all great legends, the story of the Christmas stocking has many versions. But, unless you're one of those naughty children who only gets a lump of coal -- an Italian tradition-- the exact origin of the stocking is not as important as the joy of finding what is in that overstuffed boot-shaped sock on Christmas morning.
2007-12-04 22:13:37 · answer #3 · answered by Quizard 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
particular! I draw close stockings for the finished family members. On Christmas Eve on an identical time as every person is asleep I fill them with candy and small presents (batteries, razors, toy automobiles, present taking part in cards, comics) and private products like soaps or physique wash. i've got completed this for years and now that the little ones are adults they nevertheless look ahead to this practice. I ought to mail them to those that stay out of city. We provide presents, too.
2016-10-10 07:25:51 · answer #4 · answered by mccaleb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
barristers have a sock/pouch on their backs, its something to do with not asking for payment for them helping you, i wonder if its connected, sort of a charity thing. also some monks carry little bags for gifts.
2007-12-04 22:07:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The idea it is filled with presents is a commercial invention of capitalist greed
2007-12-04 22:44:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
a nice cold place up north...Siberia perhaps.
2007-12-04 21:57:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I dunno probably from poor people back in the day?
2007-12-04 21:55:55 · answer #8 · answered by Carmit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋