9 Holiday Traditions Rooted in Agriculture
’Tis the season for feasting with friends and family, singing nostalgic Christmas carols, and decorating sugar cookies and gingerbread houses. We all have our favorite family traditions this time of year, but have you ever wondered how many of them are rooted in agriculture? Here are eight favorite holiday traditions from around the world that can be traced back to the farm.
1. Christmas Trees
Found in millions of homes, dotting countless holiday cards and in virtually every Christmas movie on television, the humble Christmas tree is perhaps the most obvious holiday tradition that is connected to agriculture. While fewer Americans than ever are growing up on picturesque farms these days, you can’t help but envision (and maybe even long for) one at this time of year. Christmas trees are a popular tradition throughout the United States, with anywhere from 25 to 36 million fresh-cut trees making their way from the farm to people’s homes each year.
See more: The History Behind Traditional Christmas Foods
2. Christmas Dinner
Because the U.S. is such a melting pot, it’s hard to narrow down the Christmas meal to a single dish. But most people’s holiday meals are centered around meat, with turkey, ham and roast beef being the most popular dishes found on American tables during the holidays. It almost goes without saying that you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your holiday feast without the help of a hardworking farm
3. Yule Logs
Did you know the famous Yule log tradition was born in ancient Norway? This historic tradition began when the ancient Norse started burning logs to celebrate the return of the sun at winter solstice. Yule, in Norse, translates to wheel, which ties into their belief that the sun was a great wheel of fire. Even if you don’t burn a Yule log of your own this season, you might enjoy gathering around a crackling fireplace or munching on log-shaped cheeses, cakes and other tasty treats during the holidays.
4. Mistletoe
Today we all get a good laugh out of kissing under the mistletoe, but this ancient tradition can be traced back to the early Celts and Teutonics. They believed sprigs of mistletoe could not only heal wounds but increase fertility. They even performed fertility rituals beneath it. Over time, this mysterious plant was also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck into the homes of those who hung it. It wasn’t until the Victorian Era in England that we began to see people kissing beneath these bright green sprigs, a behavior that brought many a flushed cheek to those in Victorian society.
5. Exchanging Presents
Waking up to brightly wrapped presents beneath the tree is arguably one of the most beloved traditions for those who celebrate Christmas. But there’s more to this tradition than meets the eye. Some say this custom can be traced all the way back to Roman history and their seven day celebration of Saturnalia. They feasted, decorated and exchanged gifts with the belief that doing so would bring happiness and an abundant harvest in the coming year.
6. Nativity Scenes
Many of our holiday traditions that link us to our ancestors revolve around the hope of a better harvest in the new year. Nativity scenes in Finland, for example, often include a Christmas goat made of the last sheaf of wheat from the harvest. This was meant to bring good luck in the coming year. Despite its ancient roots, this is still a common tradition during the winter season in Finland.
7. Candy Canes
8. Julenisse
Unless you grew up in Norway or know a lot about Norse culture, you may not be familiar with the Julenisse. Otherwise known as the Christmas gnome, this folklore creation is said to love farm animals and promise to take good care of them for you as long as you hang food in your Christmas tree and in a sock on the mantel and leave him a saucer of porridge to enjoy on Christmas Day.
9. Holiday Breads
In Bulgaria, elaborately decorated sweet breads accompany the traditional Christmas meal. But these aren’t just any old decorations. Most of these include symbols of farming activities, such as stables and ploughs, animals and vineyards, beehives and grain fields. Folklore says these beautiful breads are one way to ensure a prosperous harvest next season.