Where did the tradition giving naughty children coal come from?

Answer 1

One tradition you often hear of in the United States is "if you are not good, you will get coal in your stocking". Well, this actually stems from the tradition of La Befana. On the night that Jesus was born, the 2 Wise Men had stopped by her house to ask for directions, afterward they had asked her to join them, but she refused. Later on, a shepherd stopped by to ask her for directions as well, and then also asked her to join him to come pay respects to the baby Jesus, but she refused again. Later that night, she saw a great bright star in the sky and then reconsidered going to look for the stable where Jesus was. She had collected some toys of her own child that had died, to give to the baby Jesus. But, she could not find

the stable. So to this day, she goes around looking for Jesus and leaves toys for the good children, and coal for the bad ones. Carbone Dolce is often used as the traditional joke in Italy, its rock candy that looks almost exactly like coal.

Answer 2

The tradition of giving naughty children coal is believed to have originated from European folklore, where St. Nicholas would reward well-behaved children with gifts, while misbehaving children received a lump of coal as a reminder to change their ways. This tradition has been incorporated into the modern-day Santa Claus folklore as well.

Answer 3

well....................... cuz they were bad doin wat Eva they did dat wuz bad so therefore they don't deserve any prezents chirstmas was made 4 da good kids.

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