Chocolate coin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A wrapped chocolate coin in the form of a British farthing
The same coin, unwrapped.
Wrapped chocolate coins mimicking coins of several currencies

Chocolate coins, or chocolate money, are foil-covered chocolates in the shape of coins.

History[edit]

As a Christmas tradition, the chocolate coin giving is said to be inspired by the deeds of Saint Nicholas in the fourth century,[1] with chocolate coins introduced some time after chocolate's introduction into Europe in the sixteenth century.[citation needed]

United Kingdom[edit]

In the United Kingdom, chocolate coins mimic the design of real money; they are traditionally bought around Christmas and are used to decorate the Christmas tree and to fill the stockings of children. When children visit a friend or relative they are allowed to find and take chocolates from the tree as a treat. A variant of this is that chocolate coins are hidden somewhere in the house for children to find, often in the form of a treasure trail.[2]

Hannukah Gelt[edit]

During the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, chocolate coins are sometimes given to children in addition or in replacement of the traditional gelt (gift of money), typically with a dreidel.[3]

Chinese New Year[edit]

At Chinese New Year, in place of traditional Hongbao or 'lucky money', chocolate coins are sometimes now given.[4][5]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Chocolate: Food of the Gods - Chocolate Coin". www.ownways.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2008.
  2. ^ Christmas Tree Traditions in Britain (A British Christmas) Archived 2012-12-06 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Hanukkah History: Those Chocolate Coins Were Once Real Tips". NPR.org. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  4. ^ "Chocolate Coins - History, Uses and Traditions Around the World". Bakerycity. 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2023-01-08.
  5. ^ "Fortuitous food: Lucky Chinese New Year food and auspicious snacks that you should try in Hong Kong". Honeycombers Hong Kong. 2022-01-06. Retrieved 2023-01-08.