Articles NostalgiaHow did the Christmas orange become a festive tradition?
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How did the Christmas orange become a festive tradition?

By Melina - Assistant Editor Dec 17, 2021

Many of us pop a satsuma, tangerine, clementine, or mandarin into our festive stockings on Christmas Eve, or perhaps arrange them in a decorative bowl.

It’s part and parcel of our Christmas traditions but how many of us know the difference between these fruits and why do we have this tradition in the first place?

The citrusy difference

Mandarins are a small, loose-skinned, sweeter, variety of the common orange. The mandarin family includes several different species and hybrids of which satsumas, tangerines, and clementines are the most popular around Christmas.

Satsumas are the softest of the bunch with a less distinct citrus flavour and with loose skin, they are easy to peel.

Clementines are the smallest, have a sweeter flavour than satsumas but are firmer and harder to peel.

Tangerines are firmer still and harder to peel than clementines and satsumas but are worth the effort as they are even sweeter.

Clementines and satsumas are the most popular around Christmas as they are the easiest to peel.

Why we traditionally eat oranges at Christmas

Citrus fruits are not typically ripe until the autumn and winter months so have traditionally been included in the festive season as they are a sign that Christmas is near but according to legend, the reason why we include oranges in our stockings at Christmas is thanks to St Nicholas.

Renowned for using his wealth to help others, St Nicholas learned of three sisters who could not be wed as they were too poor to afford a dowry. In true St Nick style, he dropped three golden balls down their chimney to help them in their plight. The golden balls landed in stockings that were drying by the fire and so the oranges we give today came to represent the gold and generosity of St Nicholas.

Did you always get an orange in your stocking?

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Melina - Assistant Editor

Hi I'm Melina, a mother of 3 teenage children and with a particular interest in all things health related. I run a busy household and smallholding alongside my work with Silversurfers, which currently includes dogs, fish, hens, ducks and pigs!

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