[Christmas Trivia] Liven up with a quiz! Little-known fun facts you might not expect

Mexico

The poinsettia is a plant native to Mexico. Locally, it is called “Noche Buena,” and since it turns red around Christmastime, it has come to be cherished as a symbol of Christmas.

Showa 30s (late 1950s to 1960s)

In Japan, the custom of eating cake at Christmas spread during the 1950s and 60s, the era of rapid economic growth after the war. It began when Western-style confectionery makers promoted the slogan “Christmas means cake.”

Eternity and the cycle of life

The wreath’s circular shape has no beginning or end, symbolizing eternity, the cycle of life, and also unending love and hope. Evergreens are used to show that life does not cease even in winter.

20th century

Santa Claus’s red outfit became widely recognized in the early 20th century, especially after the 1930s when Coca-Cola’s Christmas advertisements depicted Santa in the now-familiar red suit. Before that, Santa Claus was said to wear clothing in various colors, such as green and blue.

Bread with dried fruit, coated with sugar on the surface

Stollen is a sweet bread originating in Germany, characterized by dried fruits and nuts kneaded into the dough and a surface coated with butter and powdered sugar. There is a custom of slicing and eating it little by little until Christmas.

Blood of Christ

The red berries of holly are said to symbolize the blood that Jesus Christ shed when he was crucified. For that reason, they are often used in Christmas decorations.

Fujiya

It’s the major Western-style confectionery chain famous for Peko-chan. In 1910, it sold Japan’s first Christmas cake. Christmas hadn’t taken root in Japan at the time, but they say it was delivered to foreign customers.