Eastern Pennsylvania is home to a unique culture generally referred to as “Pennsylvania Dutch.” Many people misunderstand this term, assuming it comes from the Netherlands and the Dutch people. In fact, the name refers to the German-speaking immigrants who settled the region, known as the Deutsch, who came from Germany and Switzerland during the 17th and 18th centuries. Eventually the various dialects spoken by these immigrants fused into the unique dialect now known as Pennsylvania German or Pennsylvania “Dutch.” Much like the language, traditions and customs were blended together to create a unique culture that reflected both the New and Old World. Some of our most beloved Christmas traditions are adopted from the Pennsylvania German community.
Classic Pennsylvania Christmas Traditions
- Candles in the window - For hundreds of years candles have figured prominently as Christmas decorations. Martin Luther is credited as the first person to put candles on a tree (reflected in our modern electric Christmas lights), and in Ireland they would leave a candle lit in the window on Christmas Eve to “light the way for the Christ Child.” Candles in the window are a sign of welcome and hospitality, glowing with Christmas cheer for all to see.
- The Moravian Star - This beautiful 26-point star actually began as a geometry lesson, but it become so popular that is was adopted by the Moravian Church to represent the Star of Bethlehem. Today many people purchase or assemble their own Moravian stars to light up their homes and porches during the Advent season.
- The tree - What is Christmas without a tree? This tradition started among the Lutherans, with the first written account of a fully decorated Christmas tree dating back to 1605. Old World Germans decorated their trees with stars, angels, toys, candies, tinsel, and lighted candles.
- The “putz” - This Pennsylvania Dutch interpretation of the crèche may have originated as a way to help children appreciate the Christmas story. Centering on the birth of Christ, the putz depicts the traditional Nativity scene but may have additional scenes, such as the Annunciations, the shepherds in the hills, and the three kings. Today making the putz is often a family project.
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