The History of Nuts in the Festive Season (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of nuts at Christmas? ›

Hazelnuts (and nuts in general) were ancient symbols of good luck and fertility which were given new Christian meanings and remain a common part of Christmas traditions even today. Physically characterized by three distinct parts, nuts were interpreted as a sign of the Trinity.

All of this evidence shows that nuts have been a staple in the human diet for since the beginnings of history. The oldest walnut remains were discovered in Iraq, and they are believed to be from 50,000 B.C. The Greeks and Romans were fond of the walnut, and they were considered food for Gods by early Romans.

Religiously, nuts have large significance at Christmas due to their three parts: kernel, skin, and shell. They represents the “Saviour's Blessed Body”, which brings good luck in Christianity.

But where did the tradition of nuts and nutcrackers at Christmas come from? Well, it depends on who you ask! Many people from European countries will tell you that it's because Saint Nicholas brings nuts and oranges and other small treats on his feast day on December 5th or 6th.

Walnuts, with their rich, buttery flavour, are a must-have. Hazelnuts, too, are popular, bringing a sweet, mellow taste that's perfect for festive recipes. Almonds add a delightful crunch to our Christmas cakes, while Brazil nuts offer a decadent treat, especially when covered in chocolate!

Genesis 43:11 (RSV bible) mentions almonds and pistachios. “Their father Israel then told them: "If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the land's best products in your baggage and take them down to the man as gifts: some balm and honey, gum and resin, and pistachios and almonds.”

Walnuts are recognized as the oldest tree food known to man, dating back to about 7000 B.C. Considered food for the gods in Roman times, walnuts were named “juglans regia” in honor of Jupiter. Walnuts were introduced to California by the Franciscan Fathers in the 1700's.

They're Said to Represent a Gift of Gold from Saint Nicholas

The father eventually found out who the gift giver was and was so moved he told everyone in town about Nicholas. This was not only the origin of Santa Claus but also one reason for oranges—which represent bags of gold—in our stockings.

Why crack nuts at Christmas? ›

Walnuts are a necessary component to the Bulgarian Christmas meal. Each member of the family cracks one in order to determine their fate for the next year. If the walnut is a good one, it is said that the year will be successful. Bad luck is predicted for the person who cracks a bad walnut.

Christmas was a time of feasting and celebration for medieval monks and nuns. For most of the year their food was usually very bland and mainly included things like mushy vegetable soup and coarse bread, with occasional fish, cheese and poultry.

Other versions of the story say that Saint Nicholas threw the three bags of gold directly into the stockings, which were hung by the fireplace to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from St Nicholas.

Apples as Stocking Stuffers

During times when fresh fruit was harder to come by in some areas during the winter months, a sweet apple was as welcome a treat as candy in a Christmas stocking!

It was customary to hide a number of small trinkets in the mixture, a bit like the twelfth night cake. These charms often included a silver coin which signified wealth, and a ring to represent a future marriage. Woe betide the guest who stumbled across a thimble in their serving…

An almond present (Danish: mandelgave, Bokmål: mandelgave, Nynorsk: mandelgåve, Icelandic: möndlugjöf, Swedish: mandelgåva) is a small present traditionally given in some Nordic countries to the person who gets the whole almond put in the rice pudding served for Christmas.

Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham, are also used.

Animal Crackers Were Originally a Christmas Treat – Animal crackers were first introduced aro0und Christmastime in 1902. the string on the ox was originally intended to be used to hang the boxes on Christmas trees.