Starting from the beginning of autumn, the “Boxemännercher,” small sweet brioche pastries, appear in bakery shop windows. Everyone knows they are part of the winter season and holiday gatherings, but few are aware of their significance. The Boxemännchen is rooted in the Greater Region far beyond national borders, and it sweetens the Christmas season not only for us here…
A Sweet Tradition with a Sacred Heritage
Like most Luxembourgish customs, the Boxemännchen can be traced back to our Catholic heritage. With its numerous saint stories, name days, and holidays, the Catholic calendar provides a rich source of culture and traditions, which are cultivated in unique ways across different regions.
On December 6, the feast day of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop who, according to legend, saved children from a cruel fate, is celebrated. Due to his charitable deeds and role as a protector of children, Nicholas was designated as the patron saint of children in the Middle Ages.
Medieval depictions of St. Nicholas of Myra
The tradition of the Boxemännchen dates back to the Middle Ages when people who were unable to attend church due to illness or penance would receive a small dough man instead of a blessed host. Originally, the dough man was meant to represent Saint Nicholas himself, complete with a bishop’s staff. Later, the staff was replaced by a small clay pipe, popular in the 16th century, though the reason is now unknown. The connection between Saint Nicholas and these dough figures remains intact to this day.
A Tradition Goes Around the World…
In Luxembourg, Saint Nicholas is known as “Kleeschen” (a diminutive form of Klaus or Nicholas). As a bishop, he can be recognized by his pointed bishop’s hat (the mitre) and the golden crozier. About two weeks before December 6, children in Luxembourg place their shoes by the fireplace or front door in the evening, hoping to find sweets or even a Boxemännchen in them. On the night of December 5th, Nicholas is especially generous and brings not only sweets but also gifts.
In Rhineland-Palatinate, the Boxemännchen are known as “Weckmänner,” traditionally associated with Saint Martin’s Day on November 11. During lantern parades, children go from house to house and often receive Weckmänner, which get their name from “Weck” or “Weckmehl,” meaning rolls or pieces of dough. Since the lantern parade in Luxembourg takes place only on Candlemas (February 2), there is no direct connection to Saint Martin’s Day here.
In eastern France, especially in Alsace, Saint Nicholas is also celebrated, and bakeries offer a small brioche figure known as “Mannele,” often adorned with chocolate pieces or raisins.
In Belgium, these little men are called “Cougnous.” Children who have behaved well throughout the year often receive them along with Speculoos, traditional spiced cookies shaped like Saint Nicholas. On the evening of December 5, children leave a small glass of alcohol for Saint Nicholas, along with a bowl of water and a carrot for his donkey.
In the Protestant Netherlands, Saint Nicholas is still celebrated as “Sinterklaas” on December 6. The custom is so popular here that Sinterklaas often arrives by ship and receives a grand celebration. This Dutch version of Saint Nicholas is the basis for the American “Santa Claus.”
In Anglo-Saxon countries, however, the figure of the holy bishop has been thoroughly “de-catholicized.” Here, “Santa Claus” no longer wears Catholic insignia like the mitre or crozier, but simply a pointed cap. He also no longer comes on his name day on December 6 but at Christmas. Instead of brioche Boxemännercher, people here eat gingerbread men.
Boxemännchen Today
To this day, the little Boxemännchen are often given as gifts on Saint Nicholas Day, especially to children who love the sweet brioche figures. Although Boxemännchen have now become a seasonal pastry available from autumn onwards, they remind people of the story of Saint Nicholas and the many traditions that have been preserved and passed down through the centuries. At the Thillenvogtei Open-Air Museum, workshops are offered for children at the beginning of winter, where they can learn not only the story and tradition but also how to bake their own Boxemännchen. Here to our article!
