Romans would use evergreens to decorate their temples for the festival of Saturnalia, Ancient Egyptians would similarly use green palm rushes to decorate their temples as part of worship to the God of Ra. (C) 2020 Christmasphere.com - no content shall be reproduced without written permission, And get access to the secret resource library with free downloads and printables. Still, if you want to rediscover the true meaning of this holly day and celebrate Christmas for what it actually symbolizes, it’s worth remembering that the gifts are a symbol of the myrrh, frankincense and gold brought by the wise men to Christ Child, in Bethlehem. Let’s go back in history to find out. How To Make A Hanging Christmas Tree For The Wall, 10 Bauble Window Display Ideas: Striking Ways To Hang Ornaments In The Window, How To Make a Felt Hot Chocolate Christmas Ornament, What To Put in a Christmas Eve Box (for men), What to Put in a Christmas Eve Box (for women), How To Add Some Sparkle To Your Christmas Outfit, How to organise a Christmas party on a budget, How To Set Goals and Intentions for Winter. How do different faiths celebrate Christmas? It was said that on his walk home, he saw the stars through the evergreen trees and went home to tell his children that it reminded of him of Jesus. Even before Christ’s birth, trees that stayed green all year long carried special meaning for … It used to be put up on December 24th - Christmas Eve - which was counted as the feast of Adam and Eve. Christmas Tree Symbolism: These were (and still are) typically Fir trees, which, like the Holly and Ivy are evergreen – keeping their happy green ways throughout the winter. Spiritual Meaning … Where did decorating the Christmas tree come from? The Christmas Tree’s History: The trees and pyramids would usually be paraded around the town to show to the other households on Christmas Eve as a sign of health, in order to keep the evil spirits away. What is the true origin of the Christmas tree? As though there were twinkling stars in the sky, but on their trees. The bells … The first Christmas ornaments were apples to signify the forbidden fruit, and wafers to represent the Christian sacrament of Communion. The U.S. Supreme Court: Who Are the Nine Justices on the Bench Today? Use of Christmas trees as holiday decorations spread through Germany to the remainder of Europe, and then to America from immigrants and European soldiers. People would use wood to create a pyramid and decorate it with nuts, gingerbread, apples, paper and candles to resemble a tree. Lights and ornaments on the tree came to represent the stars and planets in the sky. (Read more on How To Celebrate Christmas Victorian Style). This was so that when people would go around presenting and showing others their Christmas trees/pyramids they were inviting people to the church to watch their nativity performance on the story of Christ. The earliest Christmas trees (or evergreen branches) used in homes were referred to as "paradises." It used to be put up on December 24th - Christmas Eve - which was counted as the feast of Adam and Eve. The lights and decorations on the tree represent the wonder and glory associated with the birth and resurrection of Jesus. Such common choices for tree toppers as stars and angels represent Jesus's birth, as they were both present at the time, according to the Bible story. In Victorian times, the tree would have been decorated with candles to represent stars. The tree of life can represent a few different things, but when it comes to Christmas … Nowadays decorating the Christmas tree is such a special moment for families, its the time of year where they all come together to decorate the tree that they all sit around and place presents under as the centrepiece of their Christmas celebration. Modern Christmas trees a German tradition The first historical use of a Christmas tree inside a house as an indoor decoration came from Strasbourg in 1605. What is the meaning of the Christmas tree and the many things we use to decorate them? A symbol of hope and life during gray, Michigan, winter days. Obviously we can now get tinsel in almost every colour imaginable, but when you think about it the combination of the tinsel and the lights do create a sort of twinkling star effect, making this time of year all the more magical for you and your family. So how did the Christmas tree become the focal point of Christmas? It became fashionable after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, brought the tradition over from Germany. They were often hung with round pastry wafers symbolizing the Eucharist, … Why do we put tinsel on a Christmas tree? Over time … The first mention in history of fir trees used in Christmas celebrations was in 12th century Germany. When others saw his creations, they began to order his glass apples and other glass ornaments that resembled fruit and nuts to symbolise the Christmas holiday. Christmas trees symbolize all the fun, goodness, and tradition of Christmas. Why do we put lights on a Christmas tree? These dramas were held outside during the Advent and Christmas seasons and the fir tree symbolized the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. Why do we put ornaments on a Christmas tree? There’s a kind of glory to them when they’re all lit up that exceeds anything all the money in the world could buy.” Putting lights on Christmas trees, however (candles) in America meant that buckets of water and sand were required as it was not uncommon for the trees to catch fire, for which they did, fairly often. Do you know what all the symbols of Christmas are? A tree is symbolic of nurturing energies if it is a fruit bearing tree. [There can be strong connections between Christianity and the Christmas tree.] The History of Christmas Ornaments. Evergreens are symbolic of keeping fresh, optimistic and radiant even in the harshest conditions. Some modern Christians believe that the red ornaments or decorations on a Christmas tree are symbolic of … Whatever its’ beginning, the Christmas tree is a symbol of hope for the Christmas season. Put one on your Christmas tree ($11) for a lucky year and bake our Mocha Yule Log cake for a sweet take on the oak. Trees. It came from the tradition of covering the tree or ‘Christmas pyramid’ with gingerbread, candles, and various other decorations to replicate/resemble the nativity story of Jesus. Some have traced the Christmas tree back at least as far as the Prophet Jeremiah who wrote the book Jeremiah in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). The poinsettia is a typical Christmas plant. And Winfrith himself – or so it is said – cut a small fir sapling from the forest and placed it in the chapel as a symbol of the Christ-child’s birth and the beginning of His reign among this formerly heathen people. This, according to a number of sources, is the origin of the Christmas tree as we know it … NOAA Hurricane Forecast Maps Are Often Misinterpreted — Here's How to Read Them. What does the Christmas tree represent? Bells, stars, evergreen trees, wreaths, angels, holly, and even Santa Claus are a magical part of Christmas because of their symbolism and special meaning. It is more so known as a German tradition. I enjoy Christmas trees inside and out, large trees down to branches adorning porch pots. Many early German Christmas trees were adorned with acorn ornaments to symbolize the little acorn becoming the mighty oak. A fir tree was used in mystery plays as the so-called "paradise" tree. Though as the years went, it was more common for families to keep their trees inside to decorate as their own, and not as showpieces for the village. From there the custom of decorating Christmas trees with electric lights grew and grew and by 1920 electric Christmas lights were known to every store. Opposition to the Christmas tree was intense in past centuries. "That became a symbol of Christ — being triangular in shape it represents the trinity — and from there came the idea that the tree should be a symbol of Christ and new life," Dr Wilson said. The Christmas tree started off as being a pyramid tree, if people could not find a plant to represent the tree. The Christmas tree symbolizes the spirit of the Christmas season and, to Christians, the everlasting life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It became wildly popular throughout the 16th century, slowly it spread to become highly popular among nobility and royalty. Antique or vintage Christmas ornaments are popular holiday decorations even today. The publication of the drawing helped Christmas Trees become popular in the UK and USA. As time passed, people began replicating this practice in their homes as well. Could you imagine having to carry around a Christmas tree now throughout your block, it comes as no surprise that we now keep our Christmas trees for only our families to enjoy. The presents that are placed below the tree are believed to continue the tradition of giving gifts, as God gave humanity Jesus as a gift, the Three Wise Men gave Jesus gifts at his birth and then Jesus gave humanity the gift of trading his life for the eradication of sin on the cross, or tree. In many parts of Europe, candles are still used to decorate Christmas trees. Many Christians would place a manger under their trees as so to replicate the nativity of Jesus Christ under the stars. But the origin as to why we put ornaments on the tree is back in the 16th-century. The use of evergreens and greenery was used as a symbol for winter festivals as these were the plants that would last all year round and were believed to protect the house from evil spirits, witches, ghosts and illnesses. The lights and decorations on the tree represent the wonder and glory associated with the birth and resurrection of Jesus. The oak tree was sacred to ancient Germans, representing strength and good luck. How Does the 25th Amendment Work — and When Should It Be Enacted? For lots of people, Christmas is about giving and receiving gifts, and the initial significance of this gesture is no longer important. Europeans would decorate their trees with apples to symbolise the paradise tree in the story of Adam and Eve, as so to remind them of paradise tree that held the forbidden fruit Eve succumbed to. This very ancient custom, he said, exalts the value of life, as in winter what is evergreen becomes a sign of undying life, and it reminds Christians of the "tree of life" of Genesis 2:9, an image of Christ, the supreme gift of God to humanity. It’s easy to forget that all the lights, tinsel, and presents have a reason for being a part of Christmas. The red leaves guarantee luck and fortune to the owners, while the plant is also considered a symbol of Christian devotion. Symbolically, the Christmas tree represents the human spine, which is the “tree of life“. (Read more on What is the origin of Christmas?). 8 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Workplace More LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Fact Check: “JFK Jr. Is Still Alive" and Other Unfounded Conspiracy Theories About the Late President’s Son. People believed that they would be protected as these plants would remain green throughout the year, especially throughout winter; it was not only a sign for protection but health. Symbolic Meaning of Christmas Tree – A Brief Summary December 5, 2007 - by Avia Venefica - 4 Comments. Until the tree is up, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas. The Christmas tree was originally a pagan religious symbol of celebration. Royal Influence More tree symbolism and symbolic meanings of the tree represent... a recovery from illness, ambition or wishes fulfilled, thing having to do with family, blessings of nature, good fortune, stability, shelter and security. According to Santa's Net, this metallic decoration symbolizes light and is hung on a Christmas tree to make sure darkness has no power during the holiday season. Though it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that American and Brits would actually decorate their trees! In the Bible, the cross upon which Jesus was crucified is often referred to as a tree. Modern Christmas trees have been related to the "tree of paradise" of medieval mystery plays that were given on 24 December, the commemoration and name day of Adam and Eve in various countries.In such plays, a tree decorated with apples (to represent the forbidden fruit) and wafers (to represent the Eucharist and redemption) was used as a setting for the play. Fact Check: Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe? Since apple trees were barren during winter, people would manually tie apples to the tree branches to signify the Tree of good and evil. The Christmas {tree}, and other {decorations} have been used for generations in the celebration of Christmas - a Christian Religion Holy time. The Christmas trees were later decorated with delicious treats like gingerbread in the shape of stars, angels and holly as we know today. It is more so known as a German tradition. Now, it wasn’t until 1882 once Thomas Edison developed electricity, his partner Edward Johnson decorated his tree with electric lights and adopting the title “Father of the Electric Christmas Tree”. Now I don’t know about you but these glass apples and nuts sound an awful lot like the baubles we would buy today, no wonder they were popular! "That's one of the main origins of the Christmas tree and bringing it into the house." It’s said that the first glass ornament was created by glassblower Hans Greiner, he couldn’t afford to buy apples, so he decided to make his own glass apples. The Christmas tree represents the tree in the Garden of Eden. Tinsel was created in Europe in the 17th century, it was developed by hammering silver alloy until it was paper-thin and cut into strips. four calling birds. Boughs of holly were made famous by the opening line of the Christmas carol, “Deck the Halls.” The song was written by… We hope that answers your questions on what the Christmas the represents? The Christmas tree represents the tree in the Garden of Eden. But put up a 2, 4, 8 or 20-foot tree, add lights, a few ornaments, and presents and suddenly, it’s the time of year to look back at … He later wrote a sermon about the experience for his church, leading to the spread of people decorating the trees with candles as a symbol of letting Jesus into their homes. Christmas was a sacred holiday, and Christmas trees were thought of as a pagan symbol and rather frivolous. The Christmas tree symbolizes the spirit of the Christmas season and, to Christians, the everlasting life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The symbolic meaning of Christmas trees originates in pagan culture where the evergreen represents life, rebirth, and stamina needed to endure the winter months. Depending on your background, the lights on your Christmas tree may represent the light of God's spirit, the importance of enlightenment or knowledge, or the warmth of family love. It is believed that the first known Christmas tree that was brought inside and decorated was during the 16th century by a man called Martin Luther. Before … The idea of using lights as decoration at Christmas was something that had been taking place for some time. The early Christian Church in the third century CE strictly prohibited the decoration of their houses with evergreen boughs. Christmas Tree 'skirts' started as Christmas Tree … The first historical mention of a Christmas tree was in Germany in 1521, though the tree was not lit. Pine Tree Symbolism Being an evergreen tree, it is a symbol of immortality and eternity. The Christmas tree started off as being a pyramid tree, if people could not find a plant to represent the tree. The idea of decorating a tree for Christmas began in Germany, where they used to add fruits and nuts to trees once the leaves fell off to symbolize the promise of spring to come. The Relation Among the Christmas Tree, the Human Spine, the Pineal Gland, the Star, and Consciousness. The Christmas tree represents Jesus and the light he brings to the world, for Christians. In almost every celebrating house, especially in Mexico and the United States, it is a part of Christmas decorations. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, General Music Quiz – 37 Questions and Answers, How To Make a Hot Chocolate Station at Home. They are symbolic of growth, victory and renewal as well. History of Christmas lights. Candles. Putting lights on a tree goes back to the idea of the lights representing Jesus as Light in the darkness. A candle, a mirror of starlight, is also a symbol representing the star of Bethlehem. How To Celebrate Christmas Victorian Style. We all love Christmas, and what is one of the main focal points of Christmas? It was added as a decoration for a Christmas tree to reflect the candle flames flicker and glisten. This mindset continued until about the 19th century. Explanation: In 2004, Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ. Over time, it became a tradition of decorating Christmas trees in red, be it … One of the easiest facets of the song’s code to figure out, these fowl are the four …