Christkind (literally “Christ-child” in German) refers to a gift-bringing Germanic figure associated with Christmas. The name originally referred to the infant Jesus but evolved into a folkloric character distinct from the historical Christ Child.

The tradition dates back to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Martin Luther promoted the Christkind as the bearer of gifts on Christmas Eve (December 24th), shifting focus away from the saintly Catholic figure of Saint Nicholas (whose feast day is December 6) to emphasize Christ’s birth.

The Christkind is typically depicted as a youthful angelic figure or sprite-like child, most often portrayed as a young girl with long blond hair, angel wings, and wearing white or gold robes sometimes crowned with candles or stars. She is silent and elusive, believed to enter homes quietly on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts without ever being seen by the children.

In many German-speaking regions, especially in the south (e.g., Bavaria), Christkind is the main gift-bearer, placing presents under the Christmas tree on the evening of December 24th. Children are traditionally told not to try to see her; often a tiny bell is heard to signal her departure after she has placed the gifts.

The Christkind is also a central figure at public festivities. For example, at the Christkindlesmarkt (Christ Child’s Market) in Nuremberg, a young woman is chosen every two years to portray the Christkind and ceremonially open the market.

All published appearances of Christkind from before January 1, )-(95)}} are public domain in the US.

Some notable appearances are listed below:

* Der Struwwelpeter (1845)
* Das Christ-Elflein (“The Little Elf of Christ”) (1917)

* Das Christ-Elflein (1906)

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christkind Wikipedia]

Category:Unknown Debuts
Category:Martin Luther - Creator
Category:Legendary Characters
Category:Literary Characters
Category:Female Characters
Category:Angels
Category:Fairy Characters
Category:Immortal Characters
Category:Magic Characters
Category:Juvenile Heroes
Category:Abrahamic Characters
Category:Christmas Themed Characters
Category:Personifications
Category:German Characters
Category:Advertising Characters
Category:Theatre Characters
Category:Toys