Five hundred years ago, church reformer Martin Luther wanted to shift the focus from Saint Nicholas as the bearer of the gift to the Christ child. So, in the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe, many Protestants changed the bearer of gifts to the Christ child known as ‘Christkind’. The gift-giving date has also changed from the feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6 to Christmas Eve on December 24.
The traditional bearer of Christmas gifts in Germany and most German-speaking regions of Europe is ‘The Christ Child’, also known as ‘Christkind’. This popular bearer of gifts is represented in areas of Europe such as Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Croatia, Australia, southern Brazil, some parts of Latin America, and Slovakia.
The Christkind in Germany is most often depicted as an elf-like child with angelic wings and blonde hair wearing a white robe. Some suppose that Christkind is the incarnation of Jesus when he was a child. Children often like to leave a letter on the windowsill for the Chirstkind. However, the children never see the Christkind. They are encouraged not to lean out and try to see the figure arrive because if they do not show up they will stay. So the tradition is for parents to secretly ring a bell, which the children believe is rung by the departing Christkind. Parents will always tell children that Christkind disappeared after leaving presents under the tree, just before they entered the room. It is a magical tradition.
There are many writings suggesting that the Germans had a hard time thinking of the baby Jesus giving gifts, so the Christmas gift giver gradually transformed into a sweet little girl. This sweet girl became known as Christkind. Today, in modern Germany, the Christkind is chosen every year in a contest. Usually a teenage girl, dressed in gold who is like a rock star complete with bodyguards, publicist and even her own entourage. The entrance to the modern Christkind is often marked by cheering crowds.
However, the appearance and name ‘Christkind’ changes from region to region. Here are some variations of names that can be found, for example: Christkindl, Christkindle and Christkindel. Another popular depiction of Christkind is a fairy-like being with a crown atop her long, curly golden locks, dressed in glorious gold and white robes. However, in some regions, the golden angelic girl is nowhere to be seen, as the traditional ‘Weihnachtsmann’ or Father Christmas (better known as Santa Claus) is the bearer of gifts.
So depending on where you are in Europe, you will see variations of the Christkind depiction. However, no matter where you are, this bearer of gifts is depicted as bringing much joy and happiness.