Christmas Traditions in Western North Carolina

The holiday traditions of Western North Carolina (WNC), which have their roots in pioneer history, Appalachian culture, and old-world customs introduced by early settlers, give the region a special charm. Let's examine some cherished Christmas customs that are still observed today and learn more about their intriguing history.

1. Luminaries Illuminating the Mountains

Luminaries provide a cozy and welcoming glow on streets, porches, and walkways in little towns throughout WNC. The origins of this custom can be found in the use of "farolitos" (little lights) during Las Posadas celebrations by Spanish settlers in the Southwest. Early in the 20th century, Appalachian communities adopted this custom, giving it a rustic twist by lighting candles in jars filled with sand or paper bags. Luminaries are becoming a common sight at neighborhood gatherings such as Waynesville's "Night Before Christmas."

2. Fraser Fir, the Iconic A Christmas tree

When it comes to Christmas trees, the Fraser fir, also known as "the Cadillac of Christmas trees," is unquestionably native to Western North Carolina. In the middle of the 20th century, this species—which is indigenous to the high altitudes of the Blue Ridge Mountains—became a popular holiday attraction. Cutting their own Fraser fir has been a treasured custom for generations of local families, who go to tree farms in search of the ideal cut. The custom honors the days when pioneer families would trek into the woods to harvest untamed evergreens.

3. Appalachian Music and Carols

In WNC, carol singing is a classic holiday tradition, and the melodies frequently have a distinctive Appalachian flavor. Many of the English, Scottish, and Irish ballads that the early settlers carried with them were adapted into Christmas carols. In local churches and homes, songs like "I Wonder as I Wander," written by Appalachian native John Jacob Niles, are still popular. Carolers are still accompanied by banjos and mountain dulcimers, preserving the area's rich musical history.

4. Christmas customs in Moravia

The Moravian villages in western North Carolina, especially in places like Old Salem, which is close to Asheville, have been celebrating Christmas for generations. Originating in 19th-century Germany, the famous Moravian star is a 26-point lit fixture that represents the Star of Bethlehem. These stars are often seen decorating windows and porches around WNC, and local bakeries sell fragrant Moravian cookies.

5. Candlelight Services on Christmas Eve

Candlelight services are still held on Christmas Eve in churches throughout WNC, a custom that has its roots in European customs. This somber and contemplative tradition was introduced to the area by settlers, who used candles to represent Christ's light. With its magnificence attracting tourists from all across the state, the candlelight ceremony at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence in Asheville is a magnificent contemporary continuation of this custom.

6. Preparing Appalachian Holiday Treats (and Consuming Them)

Absence of WNC Without a buffet of festive sweets derived from alpine creativity, Christmas isn't complete. Here, dried fruits, nuts, and regional liquors are still lovingly used to make fruitcakes, the subject of many contemporary jokes. The inventiveness of early Appalachian immigrants, who used preserved ingredients to produce festive treats, is demonstrated by sorghum molasses cookies and "stack cakes," which are stacked desserts with dried apple filling.

7. Traditional Holiday Parades

Towns all around WNC, from Sylva to Hendersonville, begin the season with traditional Christmas parades that include floats, marching bands, and even Santa himself on a tractor. These parades are reminiscent of the mid-1900s, when rural life was centered around communal events. They continue to be a means for residents to commemorate their common holiday spirit today.

8. Riding a boat through the mountains

Wassailing is a fun but little-known custom that entails drinking and singing to good health. This practice originated in medieval England and was introduced to Appalachia by early settlers. Modern versions include locally produced hard ciders from WNC orchards, while traditional wassail (a spiced cider) is also popular. During the holidays, some cideries even throw wassailing parties, fusing tradition with contemporary fun.

9. Making Handcrafted Jewels

A tribute to the thrifty inventiveness of mountain households are handcrafted ornaments crafted from natural resources such as pinecones, dried flowers, and twigs. Christmas markets, where craftspeople offer unique ornaments that capture the area's natural beauty, continue this tradition today. A custom that has been carried down through the years is for families to frequently make their own.

10. Winter Bonfires and Hayrides

Hayrides and bonfires keep the enthusiasm alive, even though sleigh rides might not always be feasible in the mild WNC winters. During the winter holidays, pioneers frequently gathered around bonfires to sing and tell stories. This warm tradition is still practiced today at locations like Maggie Valley's Cataloochee Ranch, which offers hot cocoa and stunning vistas of the snow-capped mountains.

The Christmas customs of Western North Carolina are a diverse tapestry of creativity, community, and history. Whether you're singing an Appalachian ballad, having a slice of stack cake, or basking in the glow of luminaries, you're engaging in traditions that have endured. So wrap yourself up, pour yourself a glass of cider, and experience the seasonal enchantment in the center of the Blue Ridge Mountains!

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes