Christmas Trees - Christmas Tree Ornaments - Christmas Tree
Decoration - Evergreen Trees - Christmas Holiday Decor
The Symbolism of Holiday
Decor
by: Rob Daniels
With all the holiday hustle driving
us from one party to the next, and one store to another, it's hard not to take for granted the
symbols and traditions passed down hundreds of years that collectively have become Christmas. Winter
days are the shortest of the whole year, and it's almost impossible to find a quiet moment for
reflection. But families who gather together and consider the symbolism behind all the spangles are
sure to bring more spirit into their season. After all, these baubles and boughs weren't meant to be
mere frippery to waste money on. Christmas ornamentation and holiday decor have significance that
can strike awe and wonder as deeply in our hearts as the angel who appeared to the shepherds did on
that most holy night.
Take the star, for instance, one of the basic shapes associated with Christmas. When we place it atop our
evergreen trees, we bring into our home a reminder that heavenly signs of prophecy were fulfilled long,
long ago when a new star appeared in the heavens over the manger where the newborn Christ-child lay. The
star is the shining hope of mankind.
Like the star, candles
symbolize Christ, who is the light of the world. They mirror starlight, just as we reflect our
thanks for the Star of Bethlehem. In recent years candles have been replaced by
electric
twinkling
lights, which carry the same meaning.
Even the sounds we associate
with Christmas have meaning, and the ringing of bells reach out to the lost sheep, guiding them
back to the fold on Christmas Day. For all are precious in God's sight.
It is said that 350
years ago a German choir director gave out candy sticks to the children in his choir to keep
them quiet during the ceremony. To give the candy more
spiritual significance, he bent them to look like shepherd's crooks. Over the years candy
cane makers added the red bands-a thick one to represent Christ's sacrifice, and two smaller
ones to show the stripes with which he saved all mankind. The white background symbolized
Christ's sinless nature. Even the flavor-peppermint-has meaning, for in the Old Testament
mint (hyssop) was used for purification and sacrifice.
Although originally used
in winter solstice ceremonies, and even outlawed in America as a pagan ritual, the evergreen
tree has become one of the most poignant symbols of Christianity. The needles, pointing up to
heaven, stay green all year long, reminding us that life is everlasting if we look to Him
above.
The very first
Christmas trees were used in miracle and mystery plays performed in Western Germany during
the middle ages. These trees, called "Paradise Trees" were decorated with red apples, and
used to tell the story of Adam and Eve. Later, the plays ceased to be performed in Germany,
but the symbol was planted in the minds of the people, who began using trees decorated with
apples in their own homes to teach their children. The color red is the first color of
Christmas, a symbol of Christ's sacrifice for all. Representing the fruits of redemption,
other ornaments were soon added as decorations, starting with wafers (cookies) made from
white dough and formed into the shapes of angels, flowers, bells, hearts, and
stars.
Gift-giving is a
universal tradition that spreads good cheer, and even the wrapping has significance.
The bows that we fasten on the tree branches, and top presents with are tied as we
should all be, tied together in bonds of goodwill forever.
Christmas is a
symbolic holiday meant to turn the hearts of Christians to Jesus Christ by
commemorating his birth and his life. By remembering the symbolism behind the
symbols, the holiday will take on more meaning in our lives.
About The Author: Rob Daniels is a creator at for
Ornament Shop http://www.ornament-shop.net and Craft Kits http://www.craft-kits.net leading portals for crafts and ornaments.
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The Symbolism of
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