Do you know why you perform Christmas traditions?
Before you wish anyone a Merry Christmas, you should learn more about the history of the holiday.
You hang wreaths and candy canes.
Daniella Urdinlaiz
You decorate the Christmas tree with tinsel and drape the house with Christmas lights.
You kiss beneath the mistletoe and cut out paper snowflakes.
But do you knowwhyyou perform these Christmas traditions?
Evergreen fir trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years.
This tree represents undying life, rebirth, and the stamina to endure the winter months.
Originally, they were decorated with candles to represent the life of Christ.
Candy Cane
The white stripes on a candy cane are meant to represent the purity of Christ.
The red stripes are meant to represent the blood he shed while dying on the cross.
Some also say the shape, which looks like a capitalized J, stands for Jesus.
Christmas Wreath
Hanging a wreath on the door is a popular Christmas tradition.
The circular shape of a wreath represents eternity because there is no beginning and there is no end.
Wreaths are commonly made from evergreens, just like Christmas trees, both of which represent unending life.
Nicholas was a Dutch man who demonstrated wisdom beyond his years.
He was extremely generous and legend says he even performed miracles.
As everyone knows, he comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve with help from his Christmas elves.
Mistletoe
During the Christmas season, youll probably spot mistletoe hanging over doorways.
Mistletoe has evergreen leaves and commonly grows on apple trees.
It is seen as a sacred plant that represents fertility, good luck, and good health.
It is believed that anyone who kisses beneath the mistletoe will be blessed with eternal love.
Christmas Bells
Bells are one of the most popular symbols of Christmas.
They create a celebratory sound.
you’ve got the option to also use them when youre singing a Christmas carol!
Poinsettia Plant
Poinsettias are one of the most beautiful Christmas decorations.
They are red, which is the color that represents the blood shed by Jesus Christ.
Some priests also believe the red star-shaped flowers are a sign of the Star of Bethlehem.
Manger
This is one of the more religious holiday decorations typically found outside of churches.
When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, there was not any room for them at the inn.
They were forced to find lodging elsewhere.
Snowflakes
Snowflakes symbolize purity, perfection, and individuality.
No two snowflakes are alike, just like there are no two people or circumstances that are identical.
They are a reminder that there is beauty in the unique.
However, because of the reindeers speed, endurance, and adaptations to cold, the story was switched.
Santa is now pulled by reindeer in his sleigh.
Stars can also represent a shining hope for humanity since Christmas is a time of hope and faith.
They had left their socks hanging above the fireplace to dry and the coins landed inside of them.
Christmas Colors
Why are red and green Christmas colors?
Because green represents evergreen plants and red represents the blood of Jesus.
Meanwhile, gold is the color of stars.
And blue represents Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Snow is also a symbol of purification and peace.
