Did you know that Norwegian scientists believe Rudolph’s nose was red because of a parasitic infection in his respiratory system? This data is one of the strange facts about Christmas. Although jolly, this holiday has a unique back story.
- Fact #1: The first artificial Christmas tree came from Germany and it was made out of dyed goose feathers.
- Fact #2: According to research based on Facebook posts, couples routinely break-up two weeks before Christmas Day. Most people almost never break-up on Christmas Day.
- Fact #3: Despite popular belief, suicide rates during the Christmas holiday are low. They are much higher during spring.
- Fact #4: In some European countries, people believe that both good and evil spirits were a part of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Eventually, these spirits turned into Santa’s elves.
- Fact #5: “Rent-a-Santas” are trained annually on how to maintain a positive attitude while working with the public. They are given practical advice like to avoid garlic, onions and beans for lunch.
- Fact #6: On Christmas eve, Bolivians celebrate Misa Del Gallo. During this festival, some attendees bring roosters to midnight mass as a symbolic gesture. Why? They believe a rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus.
- Fact #7: How did evergreens become choice picks as Christmas trees? In ancient times, pagans worshiped evergreen boughs and trees because they represented eternal life. This practice eventually was ‘Christianized’ leading to the Christmas tree.
- Fact #8: From 1659 to 1681, American Puritans banned all Christmas celebrations because they viewed this holiday as decadent and sinful.
- Fact #9: In folklore, burning a Yule log during the Twelve Days of Christmas is thought to bring health, fertility and luck. This act also wards off evil spirits.
- Fact #10: The story behind Christmas stockings involves three sisters too poor to pay a marriage dowry, so they were doomed to a life of prostitution. Fortunately, Bishop Saint Nicholas changed their fate by creeping down their chimney and filling their stockings with gold coins.
The above ten strange facts about Christmas prove this holiday isn’t all about peace, love and hope. There’s a few pagans, potential prostitutes and fake Santas involved too. Get more insight on this popular day by visiting Funology.com.
Source: Random Facts about Christmas
