The Boar’s Head Carol: A Medieval Christmas Tradition
A look at the Boar’s Head Carol in the Middle Ages: boar-hunting symbolism, Christmas feasting, and the enduring ceremony at Queen’s College, Oxford.
Christmas Day in the Middle Ages: Coronations, Conversions, and a Truce
Christmas Day mattered in the Middle Ages. Explore key events on 25 December, from the baptism of Clovis and Charlemagne’s coronation to William the Conqueror’s crowning and a truce at Orléans.
Roland the Farter: A Royal Christmas Performer
Roland the Farter held land in medieval England on a bizarre Christmas condition: “one jump, one whistle, and one fart” before the king. A short look at serjeanty, court ritual, and medieval humour.
Holiday Gifts in the Middle Ages
Christmas in the Middle Ages looked quite different than it does today, but gifts still played a role. Read on to find out what gift-giving looked like during the holidays in the Middle Ages.
Robin Hood and the Christmastime Tradition with Alex Kaufman
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Alexander L. Kaufman about how Robin Hood’s legend evolved over time, his transformation into a pantomime favourite, and that time Robin robbed Santa Claus himself.
The Medieval Tradition of the Christmas Tree: Origins, Symbols, and Paradoxes
The Christmas tree, now a ubiquitous feature of festive celebrations, has roots in both pagan and Christian traditions.
An Anglo-Norman Drinking Song for Christmas
This lively piece blends the merriment of Christmas with the revelry of drinking, transporting us to the jubilant atmosphere of medieval feasts.
Christmas in Medieval Poetry: Subtle Allusions and Festive Celebrations
As the holiday season approaches, let us delve into the world of medieval poets to explore how Christmas made its way into their works.
Christmas in the Middle Ages
Did you know the Christmas traditions we cherish today—from carols to decorated trees—have their roots in the Middle Ages? This feature explores how the festive season evolved through centuries of Christian and pagan influence.
Medieval Christmas Cards from Medievalists.net
Looking for Christmas Cards with a medieval theme? We have set up a shop on Redbubble, a global online marketplace. Check out the Christmas Cards we have created!
Long-Lost Christmas Eve Traditions
How did people in centuries past celebrate Christmas Eve? Here are a few examples from pre-modern France.
Medieval Christmas token discovered in England
A medieval Christmas token has been found during an archaeological survey in eastern England. Dating to between 1470 and 1560, the token is believed to be depicting St Nicholas.
Seven Medieval Christmas Traditions
Here are seven things you might see during Christmas in the Middle Ages, which range from cribs in Italy to trolls in Iceland.
Saints and Feasts of the Holiday Season
In the Middle Ages, December meant a celebration of jolly old St. Nicholas along with a host of other sainted figures and important moments in the Christian story. This week, Danièle presents a quick guide to medieval holiday saints and feasts.
The First Christmas Tree
One of the most iconic traditions of Christmas is having a tree in your house, decorated with ornaments and with presents underneath. When and where did this tradition begin?
The Ancient Origins of Christmas Magic
From magi to holly – a look at the magical aspects of Christmas celebrations.
Medieval Events that Happened on Christmas Day
Christmas Day was one of the most important days of the year for medieval Christians. It would be a time for baptisms, coronations and even truces.
Holiday Gifts in the Middle Ages
Christmas in the Middle Ages looked quite different than it does today, but gifts still played a role. Read on to find out what gift-giving looked like during the holidays in the Middle Ages.
The Feast of Fools, with Max Harris
January 1st is the Feast of Fools, notoriously a time of drunkenness and debauchery in the medieval church. But was it really? This…
The Liturgical Drama of Christmas
An in-depth look at the music of liturgical drama and its role within medieval Christmas celebrations.
A Tale of Two Yules
A look at the medieval Norse festival of Yule.
Christmas Traditions in the Hidden Corners of Europe
Celebrating the Christmas season in the Carpathian Mountains
Pagan Survivals in Medieval Holiday Celebrations
Many of the most signature parts of Christmas in the Middle Ages (and today) actually come from pagan rather than Christian traditions. So, if you want to find out how you can make your Christmas and end of year celebrations just a little bit more pagan, read on!
Christmas and Food in the Middle Ages
Here are five foods associated with Christmas that originated in the Middle Ages.
