Beloved, timeless Christmas traditions can be found worldwide. As a younger nation settled by diverse immigrant populations of long ago, it comes as no surprise to discover that the United States has adopted many old-world cultural customs and traditions in how holidays are celebrated. These vary, however, by region and based on the origin of those original resident groups who made their permanent homes here.
We folks in the Mid-Atlantic region tend to be at the epicenter of culturally diverse holiday traditions. Moreover, considering the regional divide of Mid-Atlantic states, there is a bit of Appalachian Mountain community crossover, especially on the western and southern sides. That makes some of our traditions even more unique. While some of the older, more obscure ones have not withstood the test of time, others are still carried out among more humble communities.
While traditions may still be maintained by those to whom they were passed down, it’s far too often that their adherents are merely following the motions blindly, with no true understanding behind their rooted origins. That’s why, in this Flashback Friday Feature, I will be recounting a couple of classic Appalachian Christmas traditions and superstitions and the origin stories behind them.
Sounds of the Season
While we have many different forms of “Christmas music” today, Appalachian Mountain music tends to incorporate more old-world Celtic influences. This differs from the more operatic classical Christmas renditions of British and German origin. Appalachian tunes are also heavily tinged with more relaxed Bluegrass/Country sounds. Traditional instruments used in Appalachian music include the dulcimer, fiddle, and other stringed instruments.
Ringing Bells Mean Good Luck
In continuing with the seasonal sounds of the Appalachian Mountain communities, the ringing of bells is not just another form of merrymaking; it is believed to bring about blessings. This is especially true if you awake to the sound of bells ringing on Christmas morning. As was (and in some places still is) the common belief, the ringing of bells first thing portends happiness and health in the year ahead. In continuation of carrying out the beloved tradition, some families even create their own bells attached to a string, which children happily ring about with.
Santa Omens
While you may have heard about the Naughty and Nice List to ensure one’s holiday gift receiving fate, Appalachian Mountain folk have long believed that Santa leaves many signs and omens in the lead up to the grand event. Because these are all nudges to confirm whether or not you are on the right path, signs can vary greatly. It may be a little pinecone or something arboreal or bucolic. Likewise, if you have been naughty, it could be stumbling across a piece of coal or a burnt remnant.
In repentance or to sweeten your family’s options with the big guy, it is not uncommon for people to leave fortifying food offerings like cornbread or a shot of whiskey for Santa to give him energy and strength on his mountain travels.
Tap Your Christmas Tree
There is a long-held superstition among Appalachian residents to tap on your Christmas Tree before bringing it into your home. This goes back to the ancient belief of tree spirits. By tapping on a tree three times before bringing it inside, you are releasing any potentially mischievous spirits from entering your abode.
Mistletoe in the Home
It’s safe to assume that most people are familiar with the mainstream implications of mistletoe and the traditional act of sharing kisses under it. While the ritual is carried out accordingly in Appalachian culture as well, mistletoe serves a dual purpose in the homes here. Mistletoe is believed to ward off evil spirits—another way to ensure a prosperous and happy new year to come.
In taking the act of kissing a step further, some Appalachian communities believe a kiss you give, if returned under the mistletoe, is a form of divination. It foretells that your love will last forever.
Ghostly Visitations on Christmas Eve
In a throwback to universal European legends of old, there has been a long-held belief that ghostly visits are more prevalent on Christmas Eve. For Appalachian residents in particular, the understanding has always been that the veil separating the living and spiritual worlds is thinnest on the night before Christmas. That’s why it’s not uncommon for families to leave their doors open with lighted candles to both guide and welcome wandering spirits. Some homes up their game by setting places at the dinner table for said wanderers or departed family members.
Talking Animals on Christmas Eve
Among my favorite Christmas superstitions is the idea that animals gain the ability to talk on Christmas Eve. This only happens after midnight, though. All indications denote that this legend is Appalachian in origin but has since spread to other regions.
Burning a Yule Log Long Enough
It was also thought that burning a yule log on Christmas Eve would bring health and wealth in the coming year. Per tradition, the patriarch of a family would select a log to burn through the night in hopes of ensuring the aforementioned prosperity. Take note, however, that the yule log would need to burn for 12 straight hours, beginning on Christmas Eve and on through Christmas Day!
No Sweeping on Christmas Day
You may have witnessed the practice of foregoing work on holidays for purely religious purposes. But in Appalachian communities, the idea is linked to not wanting to sweep away good fortune for the coming year. Therefore, massive cleaning is generally put off until after the holidays are over and the new year has begun.
Celebrating Old Christmas
Many folks in Appalachia still keep the practice of observing what’s called “Old Christmas.” Of course, they still observe the December 25 date of today, but also observe the original Julian date, which is on January 6.
Tradition of Mumming
While many traditional Christmas celebrations call on classic caroling, the more rambunctious concept of mumming has been a fun and festive tradition among neighbors in many Appalachian communities. In mumming, groups of costumed people typically perform acts, entertainment, or bantering jokes for the sake of comedic benefit for viewers and participants alike.
These are just some Appalachian Christmas traditions. Many have since slipped into obscurity with the passage of time, while others are retained dutifully today. Some have even since expanded beyond old Appalachia accordingly and have emerged into beloved to-dos regarded by many families all over the Mid-Atlantic and well beyond the boundaries.