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Christmas Symbols -
Meaning
There are
hundreds of different symbols that we identify with the Christmas
holiday period. Christmas trees, carols and Santa Claus to name just a
few! Some other Christmas symbols include: Yule Log, Plum Pudding,
Wassailing, the Bells, First footing, the Festivals of the ancients, the
Druids, Holly and Ivy, Christmas Stockings, Christmas Tree,
Christmastide, Advent Wreath, Advent Calendar, Candles, Lights, Cards, Cookies,
Crackers, Gingerbread, Star, Rose, Ornaments, Baubles, tinsel,
Reindeer and Elves! Each of the symbols has its own unique meaning and
symbolism, some are Christian symbols, others are considered Christmas
symbols but in fact have pagan origins. We have included a selection of
Christmas symbols on this page as well as the symbols origin and meaning, hope
you find the information useful!
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Xmas Symbols - Christmas Cards
Christmas Cards
were first circulated in England in 1843. In 1843 there were
less than a thousand cards printed. The penny post had been
introduced in 1840, this made it inexpensive to post
Christmas cards. The first Christmas card was mailed in
England by W.C. Dobson and posted in the America one year
later in 1846. The numbers of cards distributed annually
soon increased to tens and hundreds of thousands and there
are now millions of Christmas cards sent around the world
every year.
The First Christmas Card
was designed by Mr. J. C. Horsley, a member of the Royal
Academy, The card was designed at the request of Sir Henry
Cole and showed a family consisting of three generations (a
grandfather and grandmother, father and mother and their
children). The verse on the front of the card read "A Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year to you."
In 1885 Louis Prang, A printer from Boston, USA introduced
Christmas cards from England to America. In one of his
Christmas cards he showed a red-suited Santa Claus. The
modern day depiction or picture of Santa Claus wearing a red
coat became standard in the 1920's.
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Xmas Symbols -
Christmas Tree Symbols
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Many early
Pagans believed that the tree was magical and that its
roots extended beneath the earth. The Celts believed
that trees such as the oak were symbolic of power and a
source of sacred wisdom
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The first
Greek temples were originally trees and were later made
of trees. In later years, the stone temples were
associated with the 'holy tree' and this was reflected
in the use of columns in Greek architecture. Several
Greek myths tell the story of women and men who are
transformed into trees
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There are
two trees mentioned in the Old Testament book of
Genesis, these are the Tree of Life and the Tree of
Knowledge of Good and Evil which grow at the centre of
the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9)
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The Prophet
Jeremiah condemned as Pagan the ancient practice of
cutting down trees, bringing them into the home and
decorating them
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In 1821 the
Pennsylvania Dutch are believed to have introduced the
Christmas tree to America
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In 1841
Prince Albert, the German prince who married the English
Queen Victoria set up the first Christmas tree at
Windsor Castle
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The
Christmas tree was popularised in France when Princess
Helene of Mecklenburg brought it to Paris. Small candles
were attached to the branches of the Christmas tree
providing a magical atmosphere in rich people's own
houses
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The
beautiful Christmas tree that appears in Trafalgar
Square, London each year has been and annual gift by the
city of Oslo each year since 1947. The gift is a token
of gratitude for Britain supporting Norway during the
Second World War
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Christmas Symbols -
Christmas Star
Stars are also important Christmas Symbols. The three wise men also
referred to as 'Magi', kings of the east and three kings were guided by
a star to Bethlehem where they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and
myrrh to the new born king, Jesus. All three of the gifts are important
Christian symbols of Christmas. Part of the Christmas nativity story
which is celebrated by Christians all over the world recreates the
journey made by the three wise men to the stable and birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. Nativity
plays are held in schools and churches all over the world in December to remind
Christians about the birth of Jesus and the importance of Christmas.
The Christmas Star is also
known as the 'Star of Bethlehem' or 'Star of David' and is the basis for
many Christmas decorations. It is usually depicted as a five pointed
star and is often attached to the top of the Christmas Tree.
The story of the Three Wise
Men and the Christmas Star can be found in the following biblical
passage: Matthew 2, 1-5; 7-15; 19-23
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod
the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his
star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled. And when he
had gathered the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he
demanded of them where Christ should be born. They said, In Bethlehem of
Judea.
Then Herod called the wise men, and inquired of them what time the star
appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Search diligently for the
child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I may come and
worship him also.
The wise men departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east,
went before them, till it stood over where the child was. They rejoiced
with exceeding great joy.
And when they saw the child with Mary his mother, they worshipped him:
and they opened their treasures, and presented unto him gifts, gold, and
frankincense, and myrrh."
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Xmas Symbols -
Nativity
Saint Francis
of Assisi was believed to have created the first nativity scene in 1223.
His scene was a real or living nativity and this living scene is still
recreated all over the world today in schools and churches as nativity
plays. The nativity story has even been used as the basis for several
successful films!
Many children
perform a nativity play and Christian homes and churches also display a
nativity scene as part of their Christmas decoration. The nativity scene
recreates the place where Jesus was born and should be included in all
Christian homes as a way of reminding us of the real meaning of
Christmas, not the commercialised festival it has become. Christmas
celebrates the birth of Jesus who was born in a stable in Bethlehem
surrounded by sheep and cattle.
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Xmas Symbols - Christmas
Stocking
The custom of hanging a
stocking on the mantelpiece on Christmas Eve is in fact a modern
tradition. Christmas stockings are usually brightly colored, often
red. They are for small gifts left by Santa Claus. It is tradition
in some families that the gifts in the Christmas stockings are from
Santa Claus, whilst other gifts left under the Xmas tree are from
the family. Other families tell children that all of the gifts are
left by Santa.
Xmas Symbols - Santa Claus
The Santa Claus we all know
and love today began with a man called Nicholas, who became a saint -
Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of children. His feast day was called
the Feast of Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas and is celebrated by the
people of Holland on December 6th. On the evening before his feast day
(December 5th) Sinterklaas is celebrated by families and friends
exchanging gifts with each other. The evening is called "sinterklaasavond"
and is particularly for children. In America Sinterklaas evolved into
the name 'Santa Claus'.
Christmas Symbols -
Xmas Dream Explanation
Many people,
particularly young children dream of Christmas as they hope and wish for
the 'must have toy' or latest computer game, tablet computer or mobile
phone. Dreaming of
Christmas however symbolizes family togetherness, reunions, and celebration. It
is also representative of new beginnings and fresh starts. Consider also
your own associations with this holiday.
Xmas Symbols -
Christmas Songs as Symbols
Some of the most
popular Christmas carols include the following: O Christmas Tree, O
Christmas night, Deck the Halls, Ding Dong Merrily on High, O Come All
Ye Faithful, O Come O Come Emmanuel, O Holy Night, O Little Town of
Bethlehem, On a Christmas morning, Once in Royal David's City, Hark the
Herald Angels Sing, I heard the bells on Christmas day, I Saw Three
Ships, A Boy Is Born in Bethlehem, Good King Wenceslas and Hark the
Herald Angels Sing.
Did you know...
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In the 12th century, St Francis of Assisi introduced Christmas
carols to church services
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The word carols, "carol" is a derivative of the French word
caroller, meaning to dance around in a circle
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The Protestant Oliver Cromwell banned happy Christmas carols or
songs in England
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In the Victorian era, Christmas carols became popular again as
they began to include happy and joyful themes in their lyrics
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Despite the fact that Santa Claus or reindeers have no relation
to the real meaning of the Christian Christmas, they became
popular choices for Christmas songs and are very popular today
Christmas Symbols
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