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candles have been replaced by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.
Christmas
Trees - Christmas Tree Ornaments -
Christmas Tree Decoration - Evergreen
Trees
The
Symbolism of Holiday
Decor
WorldEvergreens.Com
|
