I was watching the movie "Notes on a Scandal." I noticed 2 different Christmas dinners where people were all wearing Tissue paper Crowns. Red, green, and I think another color. Why?
Why in the UK do they wear paper crowns on their heads at Xmas?
While there is a religeous symbolism as explained in other answers, I think the reason they are worn by most families is that the paper crowns come in the traditional "crackers" that accompany Christmas dinner. A Cracker is a tube wrapped in festive paper with twisted ends (like a tootsie roll, but bigger - toilet paper tube sized). It has a mild explosive in it - just enough for a loud bang and a bit of excitement - that is triggered when the ends are pulled apart. Crackers usually contain a bit of confetti, a small toy (like a plastic puzzle), sometimes a fortune (like in a fortune cookie, but more Brittish - a wish for the coming year), and always the paper crown.
Few Britts are truely religeous any more. I think they are worn more out of tradition and fun than anything else.
Reply:It's like the crown worn in Sweden on St. Lucia day, only without the candles.
Swedish families celebrate Saint Lucia Day on December 13th. The oldest daughter wears a white robe, a red sash, and a crown of lighted candles as she serves coffee and buns to other members of the family. Communities celebrate with Saint Lucia parades. Carols are sung in praise of the Queen of Light, who is said, brought hope at a dark hour.
Reply:I have always worn the paper crown at Christmas dinner and never once thought about the why.
I remember the year I couldn't find any crackers and thinking how it just wouldn't be Christmas dinner without the crown. I wonder if it represents the wise men, or it simply is a tribute the monarch. What a great question!
Reply:Lol! I live in the Uk and never really thought about it until you mentioned it-I thought everyone did it!!! I think its supposed to symoblise the crown of thorns that Jesus wore, although it seems to just be tradition here now. We get them in the crackers that we have at the table on Christmas Day, as well as usually a tacky plastic toy and a joke!!
Hope that helps!
Reply:Would you prefer to wear a Crown of Thorns?It's to symbolise Jesus as King.
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