Why do we give chocolate coins for Christmas?
Inspired by the deeds of Saint Nicholas in the fourth century, who provided three women with small bags of gold coins to pay for their dowries, the chocolate coin has become a symbolic festive offering (and Secret Santa favourite!).
What do chocolate coins represent?
Hanukkah History: Those Chocolate Coins Were Once Real Tips : The Salt Many Jewish families celebrate the holiday by handing out gelt, chocolate coins covered in gold and silver. These days they’re treats for kids. But the practice began as a way to thank labor.
What is the significance of gelt?
How Is It Used Today? Since it can’t be used as real money (because it’s chocolate), gelt is meant to teach kids about the importance of charity and giving to others. Parents will encourage their children to share with friends and as a lesson in the importance of helping others.
Where do chocolate coins originate from?
The gifting of chocolate coins at Christmas time has long been a tradition but where or when did it start? The tradition was believed to have been started by the deeds of Saint Nicholas (the bishop of Myra in Lycia, now considered Turkey).
What are chocolate coins called?
gelt
The word “gelt” means “money” in both Hebrew and Yiddish. Chocolate gelt are the chocolate coins that are typically given to children during Hanukkah. Jewish or not, you’ve probably seen the familiar mesh bags with the shiny wrappers inside.
What president is on chocolate coins?
President John F. Kennedy
The beautifully detailed American half dollar chocolate candy coins feature the image of President John F. Kennedy with the bald eagle emblem on the reverse, giving them the look of authentic US currency.
What is the significance of Hanukkah gelt?
“The tradition of giving money (Chanukah gelt) to children is of long standing. The custom had its origin in the 17th-century practice of Polish Jewry to give money to their small children for distribution to their teachers.
Why are chocolate coins used for Hanukkah?
Gelt is Yiddish for money. In the Hanukkah tradition, gelt is a gift of chocolate coins or real money given to children. When children are given real money, they are often taught to give away a portion to the poor. This is a way to teach children about tzedakah, the Jewish tradition of charity.
Who invented gold chocolate coins?
In the 1920s, Loft’s, an American candy company, produced the first chocolate gelt, wrapped in gold or silver foil in mesh pouches resembling money bags. Chocolate coins are also given to children as part of Saint Nicholas Day in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
What company makes chocolate coins?
When it comes to quality custom chocolate coins, no one does it better than Chocomize.
Why are there dreidels?
The dreidel game is one of the most famous Hanukkah traditions. It was created as a way for Jews to study the Torah and learn Hebrew in secret after Greek King Antiochus IV had outlawed all Jewish religious worship in 175 BCE. Today we play as a way to celebrate a rich history and have fun with friends and family!
Why do we leave chocolate coins on Christmas Day?
Instead, he tossed small bags of gold coins in through the window. It is from this tale that the modern day tradition of leaving chocolate coins comes from. While Christmas is a time of lavish gift-giving, St. Nicholas Day is associated with more modest gifts.
What are Choclate coins?
Chocolate coins, or chocolate money, are foil covered chocolates in the shape of coins. The gift of chocolate coins to children is a Christmas tradition in parts of Europe, and may also occur on Saint Nicholas’ Day.
What is the origin of the Christmas coin giving tradition?
As a Christmas tradition, the chocolate coin giving is said to be inspired by the deeds of Saint Nicholas in the fourth century, with chocolate coins introduced some time after chocolate’s introduction into Europe in the sixteenth century.
Why do we give chocolate coins on Hanukkah?
Hanukkah History: Those Chocolate Coins Were Once Real Tips : The Salt Many Jewish families celebrate the holiday by handing out gelt, chocolate coins covered in gold and silver. These days they’re treats for kids. But the practice began as a way to thank labor.