Moravian Christmas Traditions
Christmas for Moravians is full of celebration and tradition. Christmas celebrations are one of the most important events in Moravian Church history: the birth of baby Jesus (Thomas, pg1). Moravians have many Christmas traditions but are best known for their signature Christmas decorations such as the Putz and the Moravian star.
Putz
Image: http://moravianfamily.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/the-moravian-putz/
The Putz is one of the most cherished decorations at Christmas. “The Putz comes from the sixteenth-century Saxon-dialectal word putzen, meaning “to decorate. At Christmas the nativity, or the Kippen, was the focus of the Putz. The Kippen may have begun as a substitute for human figures in church miracle plays of the Middle Ages. They were at first carved, especially in Northern Italy and the mountains of Germany, particularly in Reisengebirge and Erzebirge regions, not far from Herrnhut, where the Moravian mays have learned the art. The figures are surrounded by embellishments including moss, rocks, and greenery (Thomas, 2007 ).” “In some Moravian families the nativity figures are heirlooms. In others they are quite new and have been bought at a variety store. Other items are often added such as the sheep or approaching Magi. Hills, and valleys, the little town of Bethlehem, a farmhouse and farm yard, a lake with fowls, a windmill, a stream, a castle, any and all may represent the “world” centered around the manger. Such a Putz or “Bethlehem,” is widely used among Moravians. The Putz may be on the floor at the foot of a Christmas tree; or it may be on a small table with only a bit of evergreen as a background. The Putz is arranged as a reminded of the manger scene. Its purpose is to tell the story of the first Christmas in the cave stable of Bethlehem (Fries, 1973).”
The Moravian Star
Image: http://shop.oldsalem.org/product/58/moravian_items
“In many Moravians homes, there is a large many-pointed star which is carefully preserved from year to year. With the approach of the Christmas season this star is brought out and hung in the hall or porch where it remains until the Christmas decorations are taken down. Sometimes it is an Advent Star, appearing on the first Sunday in Advent, heralding the approach Christmas festival; sometimes it is a Christmas Star, reserved until the evergreens are placed for Christmas. Always it is a lighted star, shining to proclaim its message (Fries, 1973).” The Moravian Star has a three-fold message. It testifies to the greatness of God who made the stars on the fourth day of creation. It is a reminder of the star that once led the Wise Men on their journey to find and worship baby Jesus. It points to the Divine Star, Jesus, the light of the world (Fries, 1973).