December is the time of year when everyone gets into the festive Christmas mood. Thus, the official season of Christmas songs, decorations and foods is open. For colonial reasons, the Christmas traditions we see in American movies mostly originate in the United Kingdom. But what is the explanation for the use of socks in the fireplace or the turkey being the “official” bird of the festivities?
loveUK has jumped on the red beanie and flashing bandwagon and reveals the origins of key Christmas customs, Brits' favorite festive experiences this time of year and the best decorations from UK universities and cities. So play Simone's album, grab a piece of panettone and come with us!
Christmas tree
Christmas pines have been around in northern Europe for millennia, but it wasn't until the 1830s that the first Christmas tree appeared in the UK, when Prince Albert planted one at Windsor Castle in 1841. beginning to the custom in the region.
Mince Pies (Mince Pies)
The first pies were made from meat, fruit and seasoning, an inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine after the Crusades. Traditionally, they contained 13 ingredients, which represented Christ and the 12 Apostles, made in an oval shape to represent the manger.
Christmas socks
The custom of leaving socks hanging on the fireplace comes from the legend of Saint Nicholas. Known as the gift-giver, on one occasion he sent a bag full of gold down a chimney to a poor man who had no dowry for his unmarried daughters. The gold fell into some socks hanging to dry. Saint Nicholas was called Sinterklaas by the Dutch and eventually became the so-called Santa Claus in the English language.
Peru
The bird is originally from Mexico and was first brought to the UK in 1526 by William Strickland. King Henry VIII liked turkey meat, and it became a staple among high society in the late 19th century. It was King Edward VII, however, who brought the Christmas tradition to the middle classes.
Christmas carols
The songs come from a pagan period, which survived into the Christian era. Many songs have been written over the centuries, but the best known ones come from the Victorian era.
Other, more recent traditions have spread across the queen's land. For those who will be in the UK during the month of December, it is worth keeping an eye on the dates of activities in the cities. Check out some:
Winchester Christmas Markets
From November 17th to December 20th, the Winchester City Market illuminates the site's historic buildings, including a Gothic cathedral. The atmosphere is filled with the Christmas spirit, with music, entertainment, typical food, ice skating, Christmas lighting and lots of shopping for the family.
Edinburgh's Highland Christmas Market
From November 16th to January 5th, the Edinburgh market showcases its Scottish traditions, offering wine refills and Christmas specials. The location is on Princess Street Gardens, close to the city's main shopping street and some of the biggest tourist attractions, which makes the Christmas experience even better.
Christmas windows
Fortnum & Mason is a famous food store in London, known for its mouthwatering sweets and delights. At Christmas, its window becomes a major attraction: the space reveals intricate decorations, ranging from enchanted forests to very realistic figures that move, all full of many details. For Londoners, stopping by the store to admire the year's decor has become a joyous custom. The interior of the venue is also carefully decorated.
Christmas tree and choir in Trafalgar Square
London's main Christmas tree is located in Trafalgar Square and contains a good story. Every year, the city of Oslo, Norway, presents London with a new tree, in return for British aid during World War II. The tradition has been going on since 1947 and the present always has a spectacular height. Every first Thursday of December there is a light ceremony, accompanied by a Christmas choir.
