Moravian Christmas by Denise Weimer

Perhaps you’re unaware that many of your church Christmas traditions can be traced to the Moravians, Czech Protestants who split from the Roman Catholic Church 60 years before Martin Luther posted his thesis in 1517. These traditions came to the Colonies in the 1700s, spreading along the Eastern Seaboard. Moravian churches still exist today and practice these beautiful traditions, and if you’re near North Carolina, you might enjoy a visit to the historic Moravian village of Old Salem during the holiday season.

Putz – The Gospel demonstrated in miniature from Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus’ birth

through the flight of Jesus’ parents to Egypt and the visit of the wise men, using figurines, moss, pine cones, drift wood stones, houses and animals. In this traditional home or church display used to teach children, the manger scene becomes the focal point.

Moravian Star – First believed to have been created as a geometry project for boys in an 1850 German boarding school, the 26-point, illuminated paper stars were soon sold and shipped to the U.S. Paper stars became plastic and tiny whale oil lamps or candles became small bulbs. Today, Moravians display this star on their porches or in their windows from the first Sunday of Advent through Epiphany (January 6).

Candle Tea – Arts and crafts fair started by early Moravians. Today, hostesses at these early December events often dress in the costume of mid-1700s women, with the ribbons on their caps denoting their marital status. Guests enjoy sugar cake and Moravian coffee while watching the making of beeswax candles, tinware and stars.

Lovefeast/Vigil – Styled after the common meal Christians partook as described in the book of Acts. The vigil began in Germany when Bishop John de Watterville provided children candles wrapped with bands to

remind them of Christ’s birth, passion and wounds, using beeswax candles to illustrate the purity of Christ. The band became a red paper frill to catch the drippings. At modern lovefeasts, participants enjoy Moravian coffee and buns, sing carols and end with what has become the traditional candlelight service, taking the light of Christ out into the dark world.

Merry Christmas from Colonial Quills bloggers!!!

Post by Denise Weimer