Christmas Symbols, History and Traditions
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holiday's in the world. It is a celebration of love, joy and unity; symbolized by familiar images that are designed to conjure up warm feelings of home and the spirit of peace, birth and giving.
But, did you know that a number of traditions, we now associate so closely with Christmas, actually have their roots in pre-Christian, pagan religious traditions? Here are ten common Christmas images their origins and myths, vote for your favorite..
Picture: www.StampinBuddies.com; Images Below: vintageholidaycrafts.com
Send Cards to Celebrate The Spirit of Peace
Greetings of Peace
Wreaths of Holly and Berries
Crown of Thorns
- Druids once believed that holly, with its shiny leaves and red berries stayed green in Winter to keep the earth beautiful when the sacred Oak lost it leaves.- Holly was the sacred plant of Saturn and was used at the Roman Saturnalia festival to honor him. Romans gave one another holly wreaths and carried them about decorating images of Saturn with it.
- Holly in Christianity, serves as a reminder of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ at his crucifixion.
The Star Atop The Tree
Guidance and Protection
The original Nautical Star, or North Star, was seen as providing guidance, and good luck for sailors.- In Germany and in Amish lore, the 5-Pointed Star provides protection from fire and lightning or a protection for livestock, good fortune, hope, love, fertility, energy and harmony. The Eight-Pointed Star symbolizes goodwill, good omens, light and protection. The Triple Star represents good luck, success and happiness.
- Before becoming a prominent symbol of Judaism, the six pointed star was used by alchemists and was said to have been used by Druid priests as protection against evil ghosts.
- In the Old Testament, the starry sky symbolized the numerous children of Abraham, and gave direction to the promised land.
- In Christianity, the Star of Bethlehem guided the three wise men and announced the birth of Christ. Eventually, stars were placed on the tops of Christmas Trees to celebrate His birth.
The Christmas Star
21" CHRISTMAS LIGHTED MORAVIAN STAR INDOOR/OUTDOOR DECORATION
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Your own, personal, Holiday Star shines brightly above your home's entryway. For hundreds of years, people have prepared for Christmas by displaying an Advent Star, representing the Star of Bethlehem.
The Tree of Life and The Origin of The Christmas Tree
5000 Years of History
When the Fathers of the Christian Church in AD 340 decided upon an exact date to celebrate Christ's birth event, they wisely chose the day of the Pagan Winter Solstice, which was already firmly fixed in the minds of the people.
Pagans had considered the "World Tree" or the "Tree of Life" as a representative of life and their universe for thousands of years. It was only natural to continue to use a tree as a symbol for the birth and re-birth of Christ.
In the early seventeenth century, Germans began bringing these trees indoors at Christmas and decorating them with candles.
The end result is that today we see these trees all over the world, used in a festive spirit of peace and joy, and still place a star or an Angel over the top, much as the Ancients did over 5000 years ago.
The Tree of Life
The Original Christmas Tree
Tree of Life Pin from the Artazia Collection #3022 JP MP
Amazon Price: $75.00 (as of 05/31/2012)
- This beautiful and funky tree of life necklace is hand painted in a rainbow of radiant colors
- Each tree is hand decorated with chains and found objects in fun, swirling designs
- Each piece is truly like a miniature artwork
The Poinsettia
Mexico's Miracle Flower
Mexico's legend of the Poinsettia tells of a poor Mexican girl Maria and her little brother Pablo who were disappointed they had no money to buy a present for baby Jesus at the annual Mexican Christmas festival.- On Christmas eve Maria and Pablo stopped to pick some weeds, for baby Jesus. As they placed the weeds around the Manger, the green leaves miraculously turned into bright red petals.
Soon the Manger was surrounded by beautiful star-shaped flowers, we love to see during the holidays.
Swarovski Crystal Poinsetta Flower Pot
The Ringing of The Bells
Drive out Evil
-Bells were rung at pagan winter celebrations. It was thought that evil spirits could be driven out by loud noises, and bells often accompanied singing and shouting.- Bells are mentioned in the Old Testament as being used on the robes of the high priest.
- During the Middle ages bells were rung with increasing frequency until midnight, to warn the devil of the approaching birth of the Christ Child.
Santa Claus (St. Nicholas)
Patron Saint of Children
The original Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, was born in 4th century Turkey. He was a devoted Christian. He was known for his generosity and for his love of children.- He is the patron saint of sailors and children.
- In 16th century Holland, Dutch children would place their wooden shoes by the hearth in hopes that they would be filled with a treat.
-In 1822, Clement C. Moore composed his famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," which was later published as "The Night Before Christmas."
Burning of A Yule Log
Good Luck and Light
In early days, fire was a symbol of home, safety and warmth. The English took on the custom of burning the yule log on Christmas Eve.It is adorned with soft, red ribbons and glitter. Traditionally, the log should burn for one whole night, smolder for twelve days (twelve days of Christmas; signifying the twelve months of the year) and then be put out ceremoniously. It was considered good luck to sit on it before it was burned and it was bad luck if the fire went out quickly. After the holidays had ended a piece of the log was saved to rekindle the next year's log.
The Yule Log also symbolizes the light coming back to conquer darkness.
Mistletoe and the Kissing Ball
Health and Luck
- The vines and berries of mistletoe were sacred to the ancient Druids who used them in their sacrifices to the gods as well as to celebrate the winter solstice.- The mistletoe, which was also believed to have miraculous healing powers, was placed over doorways to ward off evil and bestow health, happiness, and good luck.
- In eighteenth century England, kissing balls were made of evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments with sprigs of mistletoe tied to the bottoms of the balls.
- Because embraces of welcome occurred at doorways, the custom evolved into balls of greens and berries hung at entrances.
Tinsel
Ribbons of Silver
There is a little known legend associated with these decorative thin silver metallic foil strips.- The legend tells of two parents who trimmed a tree while their children were sleeping. When some curious spiders came to see the tree, they left sticky cobwebs all over it.
When the Christ Child came to bless the tree he turned the cobwebs to sparkling ribbons of silver.
Candles
Shelter and Light
- Ancient Romans lit candles to ward off evil, and to convince the sun to shine again.- Candles were often placed in windows during the Christmas season as a sign to those passing by that shelter and warmth could be found within.
- On the Advent Wreath, a candle is lit each week to remind us of the coming of Christ, who is "the light of the world".
Candy Canes
The Shepherd's Staff
The most obvious symbolism used in the candy cane is its shape.- Turned one way, it looks like a "J" for Jesus.
- Turned the other way, candy canes remind us of the shepherd's staff.
- Some say the 3 small stripes honor the Holy Trinity, while the larger stripe reminds us of the One True God.
Top 10 Christmas Symbols, History and Traditions
Vote For Your Favorite!
1
The Christmas Star Atop The Tree
7 points
2
Holly
7 points
3
Santa Claus (St. Nicholas)
4 points
4
The Poinsetta
4 points
5
Candles
3 points
6
Burning of A Yule Log
.3 points
7
Candy Canes
3 points
8
Mistletoe and the Kissing Ball
3 points
9
Tinsel
3 points
10
The Ringing of The Bells
2 points
Start Your Own Holiday Traditions
Simple Pleasures for the Holidays: A Treasury of Stories and Suggestions for Creating Meaningful Celebrations (Simple Pleasures Series)
Amazon Price: $2.98 (as of 05/31/2012)
Bring More Heart and Less Hype to Your Holiday Celebrations. Holidays don't have to be expensive, superficial, or stressful. They can be occasions to connect deeply with yourself and loved ones, and to express gratitude, affections, and creativity. Simple Pleasures for the Holidays helps make celebrations meaningful with ideas for homemade candles, decorations, napkin rings, even bubble bath, plus tons of tips for festive fare and gift-giving. From scented ornaments to Kwanzaa kanara and Hanukkah latkes, learn about simple rituals from around the world that will enrich your own traditions.
Simple Pleasures for the Holidays takes an expansive approach, covering Halloween, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, the Mexican Day of the Dead, and Irish and Islamic holidays.
What is Your Favorite Holiday Tradition?
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KathieWoolridge
Dec 27, 2011 @ 3:22 am | delete
- Very interesting! Learned something new!
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elynmac
Dec 26, 2011 @ 1:34 am | delete
- We like to wear socks with bells attached to the cuffs so we can jingle.
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mismatch
Dec 22, 2011 @ 2:50 am | delete
- Very cheering lens about the Christmas symbols -- may the bring joy and the spirit of Christmas to all! Blessed!
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moonlitta
Dec 18, 2011 @ 8:18 am | delete
- I am delighted to say I also nominated your lens as a Christmas Lens of the day!:)
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monarch13
Dec 19, 2011 @ 4:04 pm | delete
- thank you and Happy Holidays!
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- Load More
Celebrate Christmas Traditions in Your Home
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monarch13
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