The Masks of Midwinter

The Moravian towns of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Lititz in Pennsylvania are transformed each Christmas into virtual fairylands of candlelight, star lanterns, and evergreens. For the Moravians, Christmas is extremely elaborate, with highly ornamented pyramids of fruit and evergreens and entire miniature villages of Putz (carved figures) built under the Christmas tree or across one wall of the main room in the house. Since the Pennsylvania Dutch consist of so many diverse religious groups, it is difficult to make generalizations about the way Christmas is celebrated. However, against this rich tapestry of Christmas feasting—from the Moravians, who prepare for it months in advance, to the Amish, who observe Christmas only as a religious holiday, without Christmas trees, gifts, or even special holiday foods—there are certain customs that do characterize the Pennsylvania Dutch majority.