Christmas: Traditions, Legends and Symbols

Explanation: Germany is regarded as the birthplace of the modern Christmas tree, which spread from Germanic regions in the 16th century before reaching the rest of Europe and the world via German emigrants.

Explanation: Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop, was known for his generosity towards children. His image transformed over the centuries to become the Santa Claus we know today.

Explanation: Contrary to popular belief, Coca-Cola did not invent the red Santa Claus, but helped popularize this image from 1931 through Haddon Sundblom's illustrations for their advertising campaigns.

Explanation: Although the Bible does not specify their number, Christian tradition holds that there were three Magi: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Explanation: Finland officially claims Rovaniemi, in Lapland, as Santa Claus's residence. A post office there handles hundreds of thousands of letters from children around the world each year.

Explanation: Mistletoe is a parasitic plant considered sacred by Celtic druids. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe dates back to antiquity and symbolizes reconciliation and love.

Explanation: In Japan, eating KFC fried chicken at Christmas has been a tradition since the 1970s, thanks to a very successful marketing campaign. Japanese people book their Christmas meals at KFC several weeks in advance.

Explanation: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer became famous thanks to the 1949 song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". This character was first created for a department store advertising campaign in 1939.

Explanation: Charles Dickens published "A Christmas Carol" in December 1843. The story of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge transformed by three ghosts deeply shaped the modern image of Christmas as a celebration of generosity and family.

Explanation: Franz Xaver Gruber composed the melody of "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) in 1818, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr. This song is now translated into more than 300 languages and dialects.

Explanation: The Christmas star, which supposedly guided the Three Wise Men, is traditionally depicted with six points. It symbolizes the Star of David and divine providence in Christian iconography.

Explanation: Alsace is particularly renowned for its gingerbread, especially that of Gertwiller. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and developed thanks to the spice trade routes.

Explanation: Reindeer have been Santa Claus's traditional animals since the 19th century. These cervids from the Far North are perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions of Lapland, Santa's supposed residence.

Explanation: Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7th of the Gregorian calendar. This difference comes from the 13-day gap between the two calendars.

Explanation: Christmas pudding is a very rich traditional British dessert, made with dried fruits, spices and often doused with cognac. It is prepared several weeks before Christmas to develop its flavors.

Explanation: Advent is a period of spiritual preparation that begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is marked by Advent calendars and wreaths with four candles in many traditions.

Explanation: "Home Alone", directed by Chris Columbus, tells the misadventures of Kevin McCallister, forgotten by his family at Christmas. The film grossed $476M worldwide and became a holiday classic.

Explanation: According to popular tradition established by the 1823 poem "The Night Before Christmas", Santa Claus has eight reindeer, to which Rudolph the Red-Nosed is sometimes added, bringing the total to nine.

Explanation: Before the popularization of red and white, Santa Claus was often depicted in green, a color symbolizing nature and renewal. This tradition still exists in some regions of Europe.

Explanation: The Strasbourg Christmas market, nicknamed "Christkindelsmärik", is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe, dating back to 1570. It attracts several million visitors from around the world each year.