Martin Luther developed the Christkind in the 16th century, a representation of the Christ Child, depicted a a youthful blond girl with wings. He also was instrumental in moving the date of gift giving from Dec 6th feast of the Catholic St Nicholas Prohibited by the Bible. It is the Christkind who leaves the gifts for the children on Christmas Eve, that is if they don't try to snoop and catch a glimpse, and upon leaving the house the Christkind rings a small bell to announce the children my find their gifts under the tree.The Christkind is also a symbol of hope after destruction and the personal relationship between a person and Jesus Christ.
Christkind, and it diminutive Christkindl can be found walking through the Christkindl Markets, held each year.
The markets sell toys and decor, food and other items related to the celebration of Christmas. Christkindl Markets have been established in many towns and cities, even in America. Especially in Europe teenage girls dressed as Christkindl walk through the market talking with children and adults, this is a relatively new addition to the very old tradition of Christkindlmarket.
If you notice a similarity between the name Kris Kringle and the name Christkindl, you are meant to.
