The Sweet History Behind the Tradition of Oranges in Stockings at Christmas
December 17, 2023
source: Pexels
I love the magic of Christmas morning—the twinkling lights, the excitement in the air, and the joy of discovering what’s hidden in your stocking. In many households, including mine, one thing you can always count on finding among the festive goodies is an orange, usually a delightful clementine. Little did I know, this tradition has a rich history that goes beyond being a quaint family custom.
Growing up, my mother always made sure to slip a vibrant orange into each of our stockings. It was a tradition passed down from her parents, and as it turns out, it has deeper roots that extend centuries back. The tale begins with none other than the legendary figure, St. Nicholas, whose benevolent deeds have woven into the fabric of Christmas traditions.
St. Nicholas, born in present-day Turkey, was no stranger to generosity. Despite inheriting a significant fortune, he devoted his life to aiding others and eventually ascended to the position of bishop. One particular heartwarming story tells of St. Nicholas hearing about a destitute man struggling to secure suitors for his three daughters due to a lack of funds for their dowries.
In a gesture of profound kindness, St. Nicholas embarked on a journey to the man’s humble abode. Legend has it that he tossed three sacks of gold down the chimney, aiming to provide a dowry for each daughter. By sheer chance—or perhaps, divine intervention—the gold landed snugly in the stockings the girls had hung by the fire to dry. Fast forward to today, and the oranges we find in our stockings during Christmas are symbolic of the golden treasures that once filled those historic stockings.
As I continued to unravel the citrusy mystery, another layer revealed itself—the Great Depression of the 1930s. A time when financial constraints were felt by families across the nation, and the luxury of gift-giving was a distant dream for many. In these challenging times, discovering simple pleasures like a sweet orange or a handful of walnuts nestled in your stocking became a cherished and heartwarming surprise. The orange, once again, became a symbol of abundance and joy, offering a small taste of delight in the midst of economic hardship.
Moreover, some suggest that the tradition also stems from the scarcity of fresh oranges in certain regions, particularly in the north. Back in the day, getting your hands on one of these vibrant fruits during the winter season was no small feat. The appearance of an orange in your stocking, therefore, transformed the moment into a grand celebration, a tangible representation of the holiday spirit overcoming obstacles.
And so, armed with this newfound knowledge, I am eager to continue the orange-in-the-stocking tradition with my own kids. I’m sure they’ll love it. After all, the orange in the stocking isn’t just a fruit; it’s a symbol of love, generosity, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.