One of the more unusual festive traditions is that of children putting a stocking at the bottom of the bed to be filled with treats. It is something that seems to have been around as long as carols and Christmas lights, but when did the stocking custom begin?
A truly ancient tradition
A lot of the festive traditions that we take for granted have their roots in the Victorian era. However, the Christmas stocking goes much further back than that. It dates all the way back to the Middle Ages and involves the character of Saint Nicholas, who would form the inspiration for Santa Claus.
According to ancient European folklore, Saint Nicholas left gold coins in a stocking that was owned by a poverty-stricken family as a secret gift. From this, a tradition was born. People unable to afford to leave gold coins in a stocking put nuts and fruit instead. Up until fairly recently, satsuma and tangerine oranges were rare, and thus made for a prized Christmas treat.
Not always about Christmas
Although the idea of hanging out stockings to be filled with presents originates in the 4th century, it was not always a Christmas tradition. Instead, people did it on 19th December, which is Saint Nick’s Patron Saint Day. It only became a festive tradition when that date faded into history.
It is standard practice now to fill stockings with chocolate coins wrapped in gold paper. The link to the original story is clear. Now you know the origins of the Christmas stocking – will you be hanging one up this year?
