Alsace is a region rich in traditions, which make it special. Christmas, in Alsace, has a number of typical aspects, which have crossed the borders of the region today. We present below, some of them, as well as their meaning.
The Advent Wreath:
It symbolizes the pre-Christmas period and begins on the Sunday closest to Saint Andrew. It is decorated with four candles which represent the expectation of the birth of Christ; symbol of hope and light.
You will find crowns of all kinds, they are generally decorated with fir branches, cinnamon sticks, slices of lemon or orange, without forgetting the little protective angel.
All the children are happy to light a candle every Advent Sunday. This tradition especially allows them to wait until Christmas Day.
Saint Nicolas, celebrated on December 6 in Alsace and Lorraine remains an essential character for children. The tradition is that the latter put their boots in front of the door so that Saint Nicolas, patron saint of schoolchildren, offers them sweets as well as gingerbread and clementines. We must also not forget the “Männele” in brioche which are also one of the symbols of this festival.
The legend of Saint Nicolas has it that the saint resuscitated three small children who had come to ask hospitality from a butcher. He accepted but took advantage of their sleep to cut them into pieces and put them in the salting tub. Seven years later, Saint Nicolas passing by asks the butcher to serve him this seven-year-old savoury. Terrorized the butcher fled and Saint Nicolas brought the children back to life.
Christkindel – Bogeyman – Hans Trapp:
These three characters are also inseparable from Christmas in Alsace. We associate with the image of Christkindel a sweet young woman, dressed in white and representing the magic of many Alsatian legends. She is often accompanied by the bogeyman or the Hans Trapp in order to scare naughty children. These legendary characters who unfortunately tend to disappear, had the mission to frighten children, and to make them angels in this period of Advent.
Fir :
Symbol par excellence of Christmas, this tree adorned with the most beautiful finery allows everyone to experience this magic in their home. Originally, the tree was only adorned with apples and hosts, whereas nowadays there are no limits as to its decoration. Currently each village, each city has its or its decorated trees enthroned in the city center.
Representing the nativity of Christ, the nativity scene remains the important element of Christmas. Custom dictates that the child Jesus is not deposited until after the stroke of midnight and that each day we come a little closer to the Three Kings who come to make their offerings. Having become more and more rare, living nativity scenes make you relive this birth, a symbol of joy and hope.
Christmas markets are a must in Alsace. They usually appear at the end of November. Originally the Christmas markets were only held in the big cities, currently they are found in all sizes in many towns and villages in order to bring the magic. These are often animated by live nativity scenes and Christmas legends.
The smells of mulled wine and Christmas bredele welcome visitors and guide them throughout their journey. On the Christmas markets, you can buy accessories for the tree, nativity scenes, santons, as well as crafts of all kinds.
During this Christmas period, you will find magnificent decorations in all the villages and towns of Alsace, whether it is the municipal illuminations which work wonders but also the decorations of the houses made by the inhabitants themselves which make it a festive place. .
All these illuminations make you childish. You will discover Santas climbing the walls to reach the chimney, deer as well as the sleigh and many other wonders.
Let yourself be told the stories of gnomes and elves of Alsace. These stories will tell you in a very discreet way their stories but also the way in which they prepare for Christmas.
The beauty but also the sadness of certain tales will make you feel like a child and will delight the little ones. The fortified castles, the cathedral, the deep forests, the Vosges mountains, the vineyards or the Rhine are all places that have given life to so many stories. From generation to generation, Alsatians pass on these stories in which reality and imagination mingle.
Celebrated on January 6, the arrival of the Magi Gaspard, Melchior and Balthazar laden with gifts which are gold, frankincense and myrrh recognize by this gesture the birth of the child Jesus. Epiphany, which has become the feast of kings, is symbolized by a cake where you will hide a bean in order to find the king or queen of the day.
A very childish tradition continues, in fact in general it is a child who will distribute the pieces of cake. Hidden under the table, he will not have been able to see where the bean is and will designate the lucky winner of each share.
Christmas time in Alsace is rich in culinary tradition. Many very typical specialties are prepared during this period.
You can discover Christmas bredele, but also lekerle which is a kind of gingerbread and let’s not forget the christstolle which is Christmas bread. For those with a sweet tooth, the homemade foie gras will delight the taste buds. And let’s not forget the Christmas beer that delights our brewers.
Perpetuated for decades, the traditions of Christmas in Alsace contribute each year to making these celebrations a warm moment full of magic!
Also read: Easter in Alsace
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