The smell of Christmas pudding is in the air and the final goodbye to 2016 is on its way.
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree is one of the most awaited occasions every year. Ornaments, lights, gifts are bought to adorn this tree with a hope to find Santa’s gifts waiting for us the next morning.
The star on top of the tree, the candy cane on every branch and the wreath hung to doorknobs represent something about the celebration that ends our year.
The Christmas tree
Germans are said to be the ones who started the tradition of Christmas trees. Martin Luther, a 16th century German preacher, was the first one to bring a Christmas tree inside the house. The ancient fir tree that is used widely across the world was initially used by Pagans and Christians in the 16th century during winters to welcome the season of spring.
From actual fir to oak trees to plastic-leave trees, nowadays, a wide variety of Christmas trees are available to embellish your house on the
Christmas eve.
This Christmas tree is decorated thoroughly by households as a mark to Jesus’ birth and the beginning of celebrations and countdown to new years’ eve.
The star
The star on top of the tree symbolizes the star of Bethlehem, which led the three men to the stable where Jesus was found. Usually placed on top of the tree, the star is nowadays replaced by the wreath, a flower or sometimes even statue of Jesus.
Tinsel
Derived from an old French word ‘Estincele’, which means sparkle, Tinsel is now used as a decoration piece, not only for Christmas but for other celebrations as well. Tinsel, popularly known as a representation of ice shavings, is said to be traditionally made of real silver shredding.
Tinsels are found in abundant colours to beautify the Christmas tree.
Candy canes
The shape of the candy cane represents a shepherd’s staff. The candy cane shape represents the shepherd’s stick, which he used to guide the sheep. Historically, the red colour on the candy is said to be Jesus’ blood and the white resembles life after salvation for Christians.
These candy canes are used not only as a decoration piece but are also popular amongst kids for its delectable taste as it is found an actual candy in many shops.
Wreath
According to many theories, the wreath represents the crown of thorns that was put on the head of Jesus when he was crucified. In modern times, it is used as a symbol of God’s love and eternal happiness.
An assortment of flowers, leaves and sometimes even fruits, wreaths can be made in a variety of ways. Wreaths have also been known to be worn by many Greek and Roman kings.
Bells
The Christmas bells come in various shapes and colours. Numerous theories suggest that the bell symbolises the bells used by shepherds to call their sheep back.
The bell is not used on the Christmas tree but huge bells are hung at the entrance.
Lights
Lights are used to represent the stars in the sky. However, in many European countries, candles are lit to mark the celebration of Christmas.
Christmas trees are often enhanced with fairy lights to bring out the many colours of Christmas the tree represents.
Written by:
Pragya Sood
