An Appalachian Christmas: A Look at the Christmas Traditions of Southern Appalachia
Christmas in Appalachia… one’s mind drifts to a time not so long ago, when the mountains were still isolated, and to a Christmas not so much different from ours now. Images of log cabins nestled in snowy woods fill one’s imagination. Children eagerly anticipate the arrival of Ol’ Saint Nick. They gather around the patriarch of the family as he tells stories of yuletide past, of farm animals bowing at midnight and speaking their praises unto the Lord. The sight of handmade decorations fills the room and the fragrance of apple stack cake wafts through the home as mother prepares for the Christmas Day feast….
Though familiar scenes such as this undoubtedly unfolded across the region, one might be surprised by some of the fascinating (and sometimes strange) traditions and superstitions of the area. Due to its isolation, many of Appalachia’s Christmas traditions are reminiscent of old world practices, the most prominent being the celebration of “Old Christmas.” Centuries ago, when the world followed the Gregorian calendar, there were 376 days within a year – the holiday still being commemorated on the 25th of December. However, when the British Parliament finally implemented the Julian calendar (which has been used ever since) into law, the day that had been celebrated as Christmas fell back to January 6th. In spite of the official holiday date remaining December 25th, many individuals began to observe Christmas both on the traditional and old dates. This has fallen out of practice in most of the western world (though some denominations of Christianity now celebrate the day as the Epiphany), but isolated and/or traditional peoples such as some Appalachian individuals and the Amish still observe it to this day.
Over the years, more old as well as well-known traditional traditions have developed into something uniquely Appalachian. “Serenading” is closely related to the practice of caroling, where friends and family would gather to sing Christmas songs and hymns to their neighbors as the holiday approached. However, what made it unique was the oftentimes mischievous connotations surrounding it, in addition to storytelling and dancing. Sometimes even bonfires and gun-shooting took place, supposedly to ward off evil spirits, but most likely became a fun way to gather during the season. One tradition that is still commonplace today is placing candles in one’s window. Though the backstory behind this act is a little convoluted and debated, it almost always was a way to appear welcoming and ready to receive guests.
Along with these fascinating traditions come with some interesting superstitions surrounding the holiday. It is no surprise that Appalachians are superstitious people, and it most certainly must be no shock that many superstitions surround the holiday of Christmas. A few include: if one sits underneath a pine on Christmas Day, they will hear angels, but never see the next Christmas; a crowing rooster on Christmas wards off evil spirits, while a meowing cat foreshadows the appearance of one over the next year; and, finally, never take down a Christmas tree before the New Year, or it will bring bad luck.
Christmas is a holiday special to us all, the people of Appalachia included. Perhaps this Christmas season, we may be able to enjoy some of these wonderful traditions during our own celebrations at home and with family.
Thank you to these wonderful journalists, researchers, and historians reporting on the history and customs of our region. To read more about the traditions and superstitions of Appalachia, please check out the sources for this article:
https://rethinkrural.raydientplaces.com/blog/the-appalachian-tradition-of-old-christmas
Legends and Lore of East Tennessee by Shane S. Simmons
亚博体育 亚博体育 亚博体育 亚博体育 开云体育 开云体育 开云体育 开云体育 乐鱼体育 爱游戏体育 华体会体育 华体会体育 欧洲杯下注 欧洲杯下注 欧洲杯下注 欧冠下注 欧洲杯外围 欧洲杯外围 开云体育 开云体育 开云体育 亚博体育 欧洲杯下注 欧洲杯投注 亚博体育 亚博体育 亚博体育 开云体育 英雄联盟下注 LPL下注 LOL下注