Christmas socks from the Child
Did you find cute bauble socks and socks with a Christmas tree under the tree? Warm Christmas socks are a real must have for December time, but the question remains, who is responsible for Christmas gifts? Depending on the part of the world, but also on the region of Poland, there are various versions of the story of creatures bringing gifts. For example, to the residents of Upper Silesia, gifts are brought by the Child. Interestingly, when we look at the origin of the word, it has quite a lot in common with Santa Claus. We are talking about the phrase Kris Kringle, which in turn is derived from the German Christkind. The first of the referenced terms names Santa Claus, while the second names the baby Jesus. Our neighbors are also supposed to receive Christmas gifts from the Child. In Germany, the Child is depicted as a cherub with fair hair and a golden crown, while in the Czech Republic the Child usually goes unnoticed and presents appear under the Christmas tree before the household has time to realize someone has visited.
Gifts from a saint?
You've probably heard of stories in which Christmas socks are brought by Santa Claus, Star, Angel or Grandpa Frost. However, did you know that Saint Lucia can also do it? In the Nordic countries, especially Sweden, the cult of Saint Lucia is popular. According to sources, the Catholic saint lived in the third century. Influenced by a divine vision, the woman distributed her wealth to the poor and refused to marry a pagan. The would-be spouse accused her of the Christian faith, which was strictly forbidden at the time. As a result, Lucia was thrown into a dungeon and tortured. Legend has it that the woman was to be burned at the stake, but the fire was suddenly extinguished as soon as it approached Lucia's robes. The name of the Christian martyr is derived from the Latin word Lucius meaning luminosity. St. Lucia's memorial falls on December 13. In Sweden and Norway, parades are organized for St. Lucia. At the head walks a white-robed woman wearing a crown arranged with candles, while other participants in the procession hold lanterns. In many schools and workplaces, saffron buns and spice cookies are distributed. The memory of St. Lucia is a reminder to share and never lose hope.
