Christmas Stocking Traditions Around the World
Christmas stockings are a fun and exciting part of holiday celebrations in many countries. Though the traditions and origins of the stocking may differ from place to place, the joy and wonder they bring to children and adults alike is universal. Here are five Christmas stocking traditions from around the world:
Hungary: Mikulas and the Advent Boot
In Hungary, children put out a boot on December 5th for St. Mikulas to fill with treats. This tradition is rooted in the Catholic Advent calendar, with Mikulas representing the first of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The boot is typically filled with small toys, sweets, and nuts.
Italy: La Befana’s Stocking
La Befana is a popular figure in Italian Christmas festivities. Instead of a stocking, children leave out a sock for her to fill with small gifts and candy. La Befana is a witch-like character who visits children on the Epiphany, January 6th, commemorating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
Sweden: The Yule Goat and the Julbok
The Yule goat is a traditional Scandinavian Christmas symbol that dates back to the pre-Christian era. In Sweden, the Christmas stocking tradition involves a straw goat, called a Julbok, that is filled with sweets and small gifts. The Julbok is believed to be an ancient fertility symbol and is a popular Christmas decoration in many Swedish homes.
USA: The Christmas Stocking and Santa Claus
In the United States, the Christmas stocking tradition is closely associated with Santa Claus. Children hang stockings on the fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that Santa will fill them with presents while they sleep. The origins of this tradition are not clear, but many believe it may date back to the Dutch legend of Sinterklaas, who rode a white horse and carried gifts for children in a bag.
England: Father Christmas and Stocking Fillers
In England, children hang stockings on the fireplace for Father Christmas to fill with small gifts and sweets. This tradition dates back to the 16th century and is thought to have been inspired by the story of St. Nicholas. In England, the stocking fillers are traditionally small items, such as oranges, nuts, and small toys.
