Christmas Symbols like Christmas stars, Christmas tree, Christmas Holly play a significant role in converting Christmas season as holiday time. There are many Christmas symbols associated with this special celebration. Some of the popular Christmas symbols and their meanings are listed below. Christmas Symbols.
Christmas Star
The star is one of the most popular symbols associated with the Christmas season. The use of stars as Christmas decoration and symbol can be traced to the events that occurred during Jesus’ birth.
History of Christmas Star
It is said that the night Jesus was born; a very bright star appeared in the sky. It was that star that served as a guide to the three wise men in their search for Jesus.
The same night, a group shepherds were staying on the fields when the star shone. They were very frightened, but God sent an angel to tell them not to be afraid because the star will only bring joy and goodness. The shepherds eventually left their flocks in the fields and followed the star which led them to the manger where Jesus was born.
After it led the shepherds and the wise men to the presence of Jesus Christ, the star rested in place and watched over them until dawn, when it went away to tell the other stars about the story of Christmas day. Now, the star is used during Christmas, as a symbol of joy, goodness and hope.
Christmas Stocking
Another Christmas symbol used all over the world is the stocking. During Christmas, stockings are usually hung by children for Santa Claus to fill with toys, candies, fruits, and coins. Originally, the stockings were hung in fireplaces but since modern do not have fireplaces, children now hang their stockings in any part of the house.
Mistletoe
The mistletoe is considered a sacred and magical plant by ancient civilizations. Mistletoes are believed to have healing powers and were used by ancient people for medicinal purposes, protection against poison and aphrodisiac.
History of Mistletoe
Centuries before the birth of Christ, mistletoes were used by the Druids to celebrate the arrival of winter. The Christmas practice of hanging mistletoes in houses is a remnant of this Druid and other ancient traditions.
Christmas Holly
The use of holly as a Christmas decoration was first introduced by the Church to replace the mistletoe. There was already an ongoing practice of hanging evergreens as a symbol for eternal life and the triumph of spring over winter.
History of Holly
People mostly used the mistletoe, however the practice was stopped by the Church because of the plant’s associations with pagan rituals. Hence, it was encouraged that holly be used as a substitute for the mistletoe.
Poinsettia
Another beautiful Christmas symbol is the Poinsettia. People usually use this symbol as Christmas decorations. There are many Christmas crafts in which you can create your own poinsettia ornament.
History of Poinsettia
It is believed to draw its roots from a Mexican legend. It is said that inMexico, two children Maria and his brother Pablo loved going to a manger scene set up by the village church every year. They wanted to leave gifts but they were too poor. One Christmas day, they picked some leaves by the road on their way to church and offered them to the manger scene. They were ridiculed for their gifts, but as they began placing the leaves around the manger, they magically transformed into red beautiful star-shaped flowers as we see them today.
Christmas Tree
Christmas tree is one of the most popular Christmas symbols. Most people usually set up their own Christmas tree a month or weeks before the Christmas day.
History of Christmas Tree
In early times, Christmas tree was considered as the “Tree of Life” which symbolizes life and universe. In 17th Century, people inGermany started making indoor Christmas tree decorated with different ornaments and candles.
