People love the timeless symbols that are associated with Christmas, yet few know what the meanings of the symbols are. Below is a list of symbols found during the holiday season, and what the meaning is.
Angels- Represent God’s protection over his people throughout the ages.
Apple-Today, symbolizes health. In the middle ages in Germany, it was used to hang on the Paradise Tree (Christmas Fir Tree) during the retelling of the story of the Garden of Eden.
Bows on Packages-Remind us of how we should be tied together in love.
Gifts and Packages- Remind us of the gift God gave through Christ, as well as gifts the wise men brought to Christ when they visited him.
Holly-The thorn like leaves symbolize the crown Christ wore at crucifixion and the red berries symbolize the blood he shed.
Nativity Scene- Reminds the world of the scene that the Bible tells of the night that Christ was born.
Poinsettias- Plants native to Mexico were originally brought as gifts for the Christ child, to a village Nativity scene.
Santa- Reminds us of the Bishop of Myra centuries ago who was known for his kindness and generosity and concern for the welfare of children. He wore a red robe and sports a white beard.
The Bell- Symbolizes the announcement of the birth of Christ.
The Candle- Friendship, Unselfishness. It also mirrors starlight. It was first used by Martin Luther after he walked home one evening and noticed the stars shimmering through fir trees.
The Candy Cane-first introduced by a German choir director in 1670, as a white confection resembling a shepherd’s hook and handed out to children during the Christmas pageant, as a bribe to keep them quiet.
The Color Red-Symbolizes Christ’s blood, thought to be the first color used in Christmas celebrations.
The Fir Tree- Is representative of everlasting life. The needles point to heaven. It was first used in Germany in the Middle Ages, during plays depicting the Garden of Eden. It was popularized in the late 1800’s in England, after a photo was published in the paper of the Royal Family around the tree which was brought from Albert’s native homeland of Germany.
The Star- Represents the hope of prophecy fulfilled and pointing us to look heavenward.
Wreath-The never ending circle has no beginning and end and symbolizes God’s love for us.
Below are some less traditional holiday symbols that have emerged over the past sixty years and are gaining in popularity.
Bird-Happiness Snowman -Patience
Cat-Affection Dog-Loyalty
Sheep-Devotion Lion and Lamb-Symbols of Christ
Church-Faith Dove-Purity
Flower-Good Wishes Grape-Friendship
House-Shelter Patriotic Theme-Military
First published under my birth name, MaryEllen Smith, in 2007 for print paper in Maine-SV Weekly
First published under my birth name, MaryEllen Smith, in 2007 for print paper in Maine-SV Weekly
