6 Forgotten Christmas Kings Of Old Europe

The Christmas season is a time for joy, giving, and celebration with loved ones. However, amidst the festivities, it's easy to forget about the fascinating history behind the holiday. In medieval Europe, Christmas was a time for feasting, singing, and honoring the rulers who shaped the continent's destiny. Let's take a journey through time and explore six forgotten Christmas kings of old Europe.

The Legacy of Charlemagne

One of the most influential Christmas kings in European history is Charlemagne, King of the Franks. Born in 742 AD, Charlemagne united much of Western Europe, creating a vast empire that stretched from modern-day France to Germany and Italy. He was crowned Emperor of the Romans on Christmas Day in 800 AD, marking the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire.

Charlemagne's legacy extended far beyond his military conquests. He promoted education, art, and literature, laying the groundwork for the Carolingian Renaissance. During his reign, Christmas became a time for grand feasts, gift-giving, and merriment. The tradition of singing Christmas carols, which originated in ancient Rome, was also revived under Charlemagne's rule.

Charlemagne's Christmas Celebrations

Charlemagne's Christmas celebrations were legendary. According to historical accounts, he would host lavish feasts, often lasting for days, where nobles, bishops, and peasants would gather to share food, drink, and stories. The king would also distribute gifts to his subjects, including clothes, food, and coins.

Charlemagne's love for Christmas was not limited to his court. He encouraged his subjects to observe the holiday with devotion and joy. In his famous "Capitulary on the Christian Faith," he wrote, "Let all Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with great joy and reverence, and let them show charity to the poor and needy."

The Pious King of England

Another forgotten Christmas king is Alfred the Great, King of Wessex. Born in 849 AD, Alfred is remembered for his wisdom, courage, and devotion to Christianity. During his reign, Christmas became a time for reflection, prayer, and charitable works.

Alfred's love for Christmas was deeply rooted in his faith. He believed that the holiday was a time for Christians to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In his writings, Alfred emphasized the importance of kindness, generosity, and humility during the Christmas season.

Alfred's Christmas Laws

Alfred's Christmas laws, as recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, provide valuable insights into his festive traditions. According to these laws, Christmas was a time for:

• Feasting and merriment
• Gift-giving, especially to the poor and needy
• Attending church services and praying for the king and the nation
• Showing charity to orphans, widows, and strangers

Alfred's laws also prohibited excessive drinking, gluttony, and fighting during the Christmas season, emphasizing the importance of moderation and self-control.

The First King of Christmas

Many historians consider King Sigismund of Burgundy as the first Christmas king. Born in 475 AD, Sigismund ruled over the Kingdom of Burgundy, a powerful state that stretched from modern-day France to Switzerland.

Sigismund's conversion to Christianity in the early 6th century marked a significant turning point in his reign. He became a devout Christian, building churches, monasteries, and promoting the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Sigismund's Christmas Miracle

According to legend, Sigismund performed a Christmas miracle, which cemented his reputation as a pious and just ruler. During a severe famine, Sigismund ordered his treasury to be opened, distributing food and clothing to the poor and needy. This act of kindness was seen as a divine intervention, earning Sigismund the title of "Christmas King."

The Wise King of Hungary

King Stephen I of Hungary, born in 970 AD, is another forgotten Christmas king. Stephen united the warring tribes of Hungary, creating a powerful kingdom that would last for centuries.

Stephen's love for Christmas was rooted in his deep devotion to Christianity. He believed that the holiday was a time for reflection, prayer, and charity. During his reign, Christmas became a time for grand feasts, gift-giving, and merriment.

Stephen's Christmas Laws

Stephen's Christmas laws, as recorded in the Hungarian chronicles, provide valuable insights into his festive traditions. According to these laws, Christmas was a time for:

• Attending church services and praying for the king and the nation
• Showing charity to orphans, widows, and strangers
• Feasting and merriment, but with moderation and self-control
• Distributing gifts to the poor and needy

Stephen's laws also emphasized the importance of kindness, generosity, and humility during the Christmas season.

The Forgotten King of Poland

King Bolesław I the Brave, born in 967 AD, is a forgotten Christmas king from medieval Poland. Bolesław united the warring tribes of Poland, creating a powerful kingdom that would last for centuries.

Bolesław's love for Christmas was rooted in his deep devotion to Christianity. He believed that the holiday was a time for reflection, prayer, and charity. During his reign, Christmas became a time for grand feasts, gift-giving, and merriment.

Bolesław's Christmas Celebrations

Bolesław's Christmas celebrations were legendary. According to historical accounts, he would host lavish feasts, often lasting for days, where nobles, bishops, and peasants would gather to share food, drink, and stories. The king would also distribute gifts to his subjects, including clothes, food, and coins.

Bolesław's love for Christmas was not limited to his court. He encouraged his subjects to observe the holiday with devotion and joy. In his famous "Statutes of Bolesław," he wrote, "Let all Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with great joy and reverence, and let them show charity to the poor and needy."

The Last Christmas King

The last forgotten Christmas king is King Haakon IV of Norway, born in 1204 AD. Haakon united the warring kingdoms of Norway, creating a powerful state that would last for centuries.

Haakon's love for Christmas was rooted in his deep devotion to Christianity. He believed that the holiday was a time for reflection, prayer, and charity. During his reign, Christmas became a time for grand feasts, gift-giving, and merriment.

Haakon's Christmas Laws

Haakon's Christmas laws, as recorded in the Norwegian chronicles, provide valuable insights into his festive traditions. According to these laws, Christmas was a time for:

• Attending church services and praying for the king and the nation
• Showing charity to orphans, widows, and strangers
• Feasting and merriment, but with moderation and self-control
• Distributing gifts to the poor and needy

Haakon's laws also emphasized the importance of kindness, generosity, and humility during the Christmas season.

As we reflect on the lives and reigns of these six forgotten Christmas kings, we are reminded of the importance of kindness, generosity, and humility during the holiday season. Their stories serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Christmas, which has brought people together for centuries.

So, as you celebrate Christmas with your loved ones, remember the legacy of Charlemagne, Alfred the Great, King Sigismund of Burgundy, King Stephen I of Hungary, King Bolesław I the Brave, and King Haakon IV of Norway. May their stories inspire you to spread joy, kindness, and charity to those around you.

Engage with us!

We hope you enjoyed this article on the forgotten Christmas kings of old Europe. Share your thoughts and comments below! What's your favorite Christmas tradition? Do you have a favorite Christmas king or story? Let us know!

FAQ Section