How did the tradition of Christmas stockings begin?

In many countries around the world, including Germany, Great Britain, Canada and the United States, children hang stockings from the cloak on Christmas Eve to fill with small gifts from Santa Claus overnight. The exact origin of the tradition of Christmas stockings is not known, but there are a number of traces and theories. The practice of hanging Christmas stockings in the United States dates back to at least the early 19th century and can have its origin in the time of St. Nicholas, the 4th century. Many cultures have a similar tradition that they put shoes on a fireplace or outside the door to fill gifts, either on Christmas Eve or on the eve of St. Nicholas Day 6. January. Christmas stockings could develop from this tradition when wooden shoes became unusual. Regular socks were probably used before specialized Christmas stockings became the norm.

According to the legend of Christmas stockings honor the charity gift of historicalAbout St. Nicholas, Bishop of 3rd and 4th Century in modern Turkey known for its anonymous gifts. The story tells of a poor widow with three daughters who had no chance of marriage because they could not afford the dowry. Holy Nicholas left the golden coins in the girl's stockings as they hung over the chimney at night to dry. Saint Nicholas has inherited significant wealth from his parents and believes that during his career as a bishop brought many anonymous gifts to the poor. Later, the legend turned him into a donor gift Santa Claus, and Christmas stockings can be a tribute to the gift of the real Svatonicholas.

be it the true origin of Christmas stockings, they are an integral part of Christmas celebrations for many children in the world. Today, Christmas stockings are available in many entertaining designs and many people spread or decorate personalized Christmas stockings for every family member.