Here are some unknown and fascinating facts about Christmas that will make you go “Umm… really?!”.
Christmas is observed in a variety of ways and by numerous people. They celebrate it in their own, unique ways. There are many facts about Christmas, which most people are unaware of, and some of which still remain a mystery. But, Christmas has always been a festival of togetherness and celebration.
Some facts about Christmas are:
1. The song ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’ was originally used as a threat.
The song was frequently sung by groups of servants as they begged their masters for alcohol during the holiday season. They made their point by singing the lyrics, “We won’t go until we get some”. The Christmas song was created based on the lyrics they sang, and now every Christmas, the song is sung by the masses.
2. ‘Jingle Bells’ was the first ever song played in space
On December 16, 1965, during NASA’s Gemini 6A space flight, the song “Jingle Bells” became the first song ever to be played in space. But, this claim is yet to be verified.
3. Princess Charlotte popularised Christmas trees in England
The first Christmas tree is known to have been set up at The Queen’s Lodge Windsor in December 1800 by Princess Charlotte, which then became popular. But usually, when we think of Christmas trees, we think of Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s consort), who popularised them in England.
4. A traditional Christmas dinner in Japan is to go to KFC
Less than 1% of Japanese people are Christians, so Christmas is a secular holiday in Japan. Since KFC’s “Kentucky for Christmas” marketing initiative was introduced in 1974, the Japanese have grown quite fond of it, and KFC is now a popular option for Christmas dinners in Japan.
5. Christmas celebrations used to be illegal for 260 years in the US
Most of you might know about Oliver Cromwell, who forbade the pagan holiday of Christmas in the UK for 12 years, beginning in 1647. But Oklahoma, USA, lifted a similar ban only in 1907. This indicates that for more than 260 years, Christmas had been outlawed in some parts of the US.
6. Queen Victoria sent the first official Christmas card
Although Sir Henry Cole produced 1000 cards and sold them for one shilling each in 1843, it was Queen Victoria, who sent the first official Christmas card. There are currently only 12 of these cards left, with one being sold at an auction for 30,000 euros a few years ago.
7. Santa’s two reindeer had different names
In 1823, ‘A Visit from Saint Nicholas’ poem originally introduced the world to Santa’s reindeer. The two of his reindeer had two different names, Donner and Blitzen. Some pronounced it Dunder and Bilxem. In Dutch, they mean thunder and lightning.
Compiled By: Nikita Gautam
Photos By: Jonathan Borba, David Beale, Sebastian Spindler, Hans-Jurgen Mager, Sarah Evans
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