The Symbols of Christmas
Christmas is a time of year that is associated with many different symbols. Some of these symbols are religious in nature, while others are more secular.
Here is a look at the 13 most common symbols associated with Christmas.
The Nativity Scene:
One of the most popular symbols associated with Christmas is the nativity scene. This scene depicts the birth of Jesus Christ and is often set up in homes, churches, and public places during the holiday season.
The Christmas tree:
Another popular symbol of Christmas is the Christmas tree. This tradition is thought to have originated in Germany, and it was brought to America by German immigrants in the 1800s.
Christmas trees are usually decorated with lights, tinsel, and other ornamental items.
The Christmas Wreath:
Another common Christmas symbol is the wreath. This is a circular garland made of evergreen branches that is often decorated with candles, ribbons, and other festive items.
Wreaths are traditionally hung on doors or walls as a sign of welcome during the holiday season.
The Advent Calendar:
The advent calendar is another popular symbol associated with Christmas. This calendar counting down the days until Christmas is a tradition that originated in Germany.
Many families have an advent calendar in their home, and each day leading up to Christmas, a new door is opened to reveal a small toy or piece of candy.
The Advent Wreath:
The advent wreath is a symbol that is closely associated with the advent calendar. This wreath is typically made of evergreen branches and has four candles, which are traditionally lit during the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
The Christmas stocking:
Christmas stockings are another popular symbol of Christmas. This tradition is thought to have originated with the practice of hanging stockings by the fireplace to dry.
Today, many families hang stockings by the fireplace or on the mantel and fill them with small gifts and candy on Christmas morning.
The Candy Cane:
The candy cane is a popular Christmas treat that is also considered a symbol of the holiday. These curved peppermint-flavored candy sticks are often used to decorate Christmas trees and given as gifts.
The Gingerbread House:
The gingerbread house is a popular Christmas symbol that is often associated with the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. These houses are made of gingerbread and decorated with icing and candy.
Gingerbread houses are often made by families as a holiday project, and they can be eaten or displayed as decoration.
The Nutcracker:
The nutcracker is a popular Christmas symbol that is based on a German folktale. The story tells of a toy soldier who comes to life and helps a young girl defeat an evil king.
Today, the nutcracker is a popular holiday decoration, and many families have a nutcracker on display in their home during the Christmas season.
The Snowman:
The snowman is a popular symbol of Christmas that is often associated with the song “Frosty the Snowman.” These figures are made of snow and typically have coal for eyes and a carrot for a nose.
Snowmen are often decorated with hats, scarves, and other items and they are typically built by children in yards or parks.
The Reindeer:
Reindeer are another popular symbol of Christmas, and they are often associated with Santa Claus. According to legend, Santa’s reindeer fly him around the world on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to good children.
Today, many families have reindeer decorations, and some children even leave out food and water for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.
The Poinsettia:
The poinsettia is a popular Christmas plant that is native to Mexico. This plant has large, red leaves, and it is often used to decorate homes and public spaces during the holiday season.
The Mistletoe:
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on trees, and it is considered a symbol of Christmas. According to legend, kissing under the mistletoe will bring good luck.
This tradition is thought to have originated with the Druids, who believed that mistletoe had magical powers.
Conclusion:
There are many popular symbols associated with Christmas, and these symbols can be found in homes and public spaces around the world during the holiday season. These symbols include the advent calendar, the advent wreath, the Christmas stocking, the candy cane, the gingerbread house, the nutcracker, the snowman, the reindeer, and the poinsettia. Each of these symbols has its own history and tradition associated with it, and they all contribute to the festive atmosphere of Christmas.