Christmas embodies a tapestry of ritual traditions and customs shared by many countries and cultures. Some hearken back to ancient times, while others represent more recent innovations.
Many English customs, such as the Ashen Faggot, Smoking Bishops, and the Shoe the Mare have faded into history, yet several traditions (some shared) persist and endure into the present day.
The Christmas Cracker
Christmas crackers are festive table decorations that are traditionally pulled during Christmas dinner and parties to reveal a gift, a joke, and a paper hat. Christmas crackers are found on tables across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
The tradition of Christmas crackers is a Victorian invention pioneered by Tom Smith, a confectioner and baker from London. Smith drew inspiration from the French ‘bon bon’ that he sold in his Clerkenwell shop. At the time, the majority of 'bon bons' were still sold at Christmas and he began to think up ways to capitalise on this short but very profitable season.
To enhance the experience, Smith incorporated a "crackling" feature in the packaging, inspired by the sound of a burning log. His innovation involved employing two slender strips of paper, layered together with silver fulminate on one side and an abrasive surface on the other. When these strips were pulled, friction ensued, resulting in a small explosion.
Smith patented his first cracker in 1847 and sold the product for a wide range of celebrations. Initially labelled as the Cosaque, the product was renamed the "cracker" due to its sound. Inside the cracker he included a surprise gift and expanded his range of designs due to rising competition.
By the turn of the century, crackers celebrated current trends and events - from greyhounds to Jazz, Frothblowers to Tutankhamen, Persian Art to The Riviera. Paper hats made of tissue and decorative paper were introduced, as well as corny jokes and elaborate surprise gifts to further enhance the experience.