Christmas Symbols and Their Meanings


Christmas Tree: is interpreted in many ways. The most popular beliefs are that the needles of the tree point towards heaven symbolizing man's connection with the Lord, and since it is an evergreen tree it signifies abundant life throughout the year.


Christmas bells are believed to announce the arrival of baby Jesus and mark the beginning of the holiday season. The tinkling sound of bells guide the lost sheep back to the fold, just like the Lord would guide us to walk in His ways.

The Christmas star, also known as the Star of Bethlehem revealed the birth of Jesus to the three wise men and also guided them to Bethlehem.



Angels: In Greek, the word 'angel' means 'messenger'. According to the popular belief, the angels had an important role to play in Christmas, as they brought the news of the birth of Christ child to the shepherds.



Christmas Candles are used as a popular Christmas decoration which is said to bring light and warmth in the cold winters. Some also believe that it is customary to light a candle to represent the star of Bethlehem.



Christmas Wreaths: Just like the Christmas wreath does not have an end, it symbolizes the eternal love of the Lord. Christmas wreaths are an indispensable part of Christmas decorations. You could always purchase one from the market, but there is a different feel to the ones that you make at home. If you have the time, use your creative skills and come up with some unique christmas wreath ideas.



Santa Claus is a legendary figure who brings gifts for children at Christmas eve. It is believed that he lives in the North Pole where he makes the gifts assisted by a group of elves. Reindeer are Santa's chosen animals to pull his royal sleigh on which he makes his journey from the North pole and brings lots of gifts for little children. The story has it that, there are totally nine reindeer pulling the sleigh, Rudolph being their leader guiding them through foggy nights.



Poinsettia Poinsettias are popular Christmas decorations having deep red colored, star shaped leaves. Due to its shape, it is commonly associated with the star of Bethlehem. It was brought to the United States by Dr. Poinsett, a Mexican ambassador. Legend has it that a few poor children from Mexico wanted to give Jesus a gift. As they could not find any other gift, they picked up some weeds and presented it to Him. Miraculously, the bright red poinsettias bloomed out of these weeds and thus the poinsettias became an integral part of the Christmas tradition.



Mistletoe is a parasitic plant believed to have life giving properties and considered as an aphrodisiac. It is also believed to provide protection against poison and evil spirits. There are also some interesting traditions about kissing under the Mistletoe. During Christmas time, a young lady standing under the Mistletoe cannot refuse to be kissed. If a couple in love kiss under the Mistletoe, it is considered as a promise to marry and a long life filled with happiness.



Holly is believed to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ during crucifixion. It is a religious symbol and is used as an offering to God. It is normally used along with the wreaths and mistletoe as a decoration during Christmas.



The Manger is popular Christian Christmas symbol depicting the birth scene of the Lord. Green leaves, prickly thorns, grass are used to recreate the scene of Christ's birth.



Christmas Carols are basically Christmas songs based on the Christmas theme. Carol singing is an old custom wherein people sing carols during the period before Christmas. It is a tradition loved by all and the best way to spread the Christmas spirit.



Christmas Stockings Christmas stockings are empty socks hung by children in hope that Santa will fill it with gifts and goodies. There is a popular legend associated with this custom of hanging stockings. Supposedly one Christmas eve Santa came across a poor family and wanted to help them out. He wanted to remain anonymous and so he dropped in a few gold coins from the chimney. The coins fell into the stockings that were hanging there to dry.



Christmas Candy Cane are cane shaped sticks which are traditionally striped in red and white colors. It is believed to symbolize the Sherpherd's hook used to bring the lambs back to their fold. In modern times, people believe that is represents an inverted "J" of Jesus Christ.



Christmas Cookies add sweetness to the overall celebrations. The mouth-watering cookies are carved into various shapes related to Christmas. They are also popular Christmas gifts.

By www.buzzle.com

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