The Symbols of Christmas Explained
16 December 2024 | Posted in Catholic Identity
The Symbols of Christmas Explained
Ever wondered where our beloved Christmas symbols originated and the meanings they hold? From the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree to the serene glow of the advent wreath , each tradition carries a rich tapestry history, culture and faith. As we deck the halls and embrace the festive spirit, let’s delve into the stories behind these cherished icons that decorate our homes and hearts.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE
It is said that St Boniface knocked down a tree and planted a pine, the symbol of God’s everlasting love. He decorated it with apples (sin) and candles (the light of Christ). Later on, apples were replaced by spheres and the candles by lights, which represent the joy and light that Jesus brought to the world.
HOLLY AND MISTLETOE
Evergreen foliage used to decorate the home is taken from the pagan midwinter festival welcoming and encouraging the return of the sun. The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns, the berries are the drops of blood shed by Jesus because of the thorns. In Scandinavia it is known as the Christ Thorn.
THE MAN BEHIND THE STORY OF SANTA CLAUS
St Nicholas was a Bishop who lived in the fourth century in a place called Myra in Asia Minor (now called Turkey). From an early age he was a very generous person, especially towards the poor. He lost his parents when he was young and used his
inheritance to help the poor and give secret gifts to people who needed it. St Nicholas is associated with Christmas because of his tradition of giving secret gifts to people, mainly children. His feast day is on the 6th of December. Many countries
in Europe celebrate St Nicholas’ (known as Sinterklaas) Day on this day where children leave their shoes out on the 5th of December to be filled with presents. They also believe that if they leave some carrots in their shoes for St Nicholas’ horse, they will be left some sweets.
THE ADVENT WREATH
The first missionaries in Europe took advantage of the pagan traditions to evangelise. One of them consisted of lighting candles during the winter, which represented the sun God. Green is the colour of hope and life. Our biggest
hope should be to achieve a closer union with God as the tree and its branches. The circular shape represents God’s eternal love for us and also speaks of our own love towards the Lord and others, which needs to be renewed constantly. The four candles of the wreath are lit each Sunday of Advent, they represent the dissipation of darkness as we approach the birth of the Lord.
THE NATIVITY SCENE
St Francis of Assisi staged the first living nativity scene in Greccio in 1223. The practice became popular and later on figures were used instead of people and animals. The figures of a nativity scene can be of different sizes (even real size) and they represent the different scenes of the birth of Baby Jesus. Select a spot in your home for your nativity set. During Advent as you wait for Christmas, add the animals, the manger, Mary and Joseph and on Christmas Eve night add the baby Jesus.
STARS
The Christmas star symbolises the star of Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical story, guided the three kings, or wise men, to the baby Jesus. The star is also the heavenly sign of a prophecy fulfilled long ago and the shining hope for humanity.
BELLS
Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim the arrival of the season and to announce the birth of Jesus. The ringing bells can also be traced back to pagan winter celebrations, when they were used to drive out evil spirits.
