Christmas 2020: The Christmas Tree brings cheer amid the pandemic
It's Christmas Eve today: Know all about decorating your Christmas Tree
Decorating the Christmas Tree is the best part of Xmas celebrations. This year, amid the Covid-19 pandemic it's best to stick to indoor Christmas activities and what's better than making gifts at home and putting up the Christmas Tree together with the young and old in the family. On Christmas Eve today, go online and share the excitement of decorating the Christmas Tree with friends. People have been posting pictures of their Christmas Tree on social media. The Christmas baubles, wreaths, glittering stars, mistletoe, candy canes and fairy lights have an inherent cheerfulness that makes people happy and brings in the festive spirit. Each of these Christmas decorations is very significant and symbolize peace and harmony. Millions of people across continents have embraced the tradition of decorating the Christmas Tree. Even though it is still a symbol of Christianity, many associate it with year-end celebrations.
Christmas Tree: Evergreen fir trees are traditionally used as Christmas Trees
Christmas Tree decorations and their significance
The Christmas Star symbolizes the 'Star of Bethlehem'. According to the Biblical story, the Christmas Star guided the three wise men, to the baby Jesus. The Star also stands for hope for humanity.
Christmas Tree: Candles represent the 'Star of Bethlehem'. People used candles before the electric Christmas tree lights came in. Fairy lights and coloured tiny bulbs are an inseparable part of Christmas Tree decorations.
Christmas Tree: Wreaths symbolize eternal love and rebirth. The Holly on the wreaths stands for immortality, strength and generosity. Christmas is a time for sharing happiness.
Christmas Tree: Mistletoe plants are traditionally known for their romantic overtones. According to the history.com, the "plant's history as a symbolic herb dates back thousands of years and ancient cultures prized mistletoe for its healing properties." The mistletoe could blossom even during the harsh winter months andthe Druids saw it as symbol of vivacity.
Mistletoe used for decorating Christmas Trees are said to have healing properties
Christmas Tree: Gifts are traditionally wrapped and tied with colourful ribbon bows. It is believed that the bow is a sign of unity and happiness in the holiday season.
Christmas Tree: Candy Canes, the red and white sweet sticks,often known as the Good Shepherd, was born on Christmas. The red stripe indicates blood or Christ's sacrifice and white stands for purity.
Christmas Tree: Bells indicate the arrival of the festive season and the birth of Jesus. The ringing of Christmas Bells can be traced to pagan celebrations in winter to drive out the evil.
Red and green are the traditional Christmas colours. While green signifies light and life, red represents blood or the sacrifice of Christ.
On Winter Solstice, as we formally step in to the Christmas season, go ahead and decorate your Christmas Tree with your family.
Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas and New Year celebrations!
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of Christmas traditions, particularly the symbolism and significance of Christmas tree decorations, let me share my expertise to enhance your appreciation for this festive season.
Firstly, the article mentions the use of evergreen fir trees as Christmas trees, a tradition deeply rooted in history. The choice of the evergreen tree symbolizes continuity and life even in the coldest winter months. This tradition has been embraced by millions worldwide, transcending religious boundaries and becoming a universal symbol of year-end celebrations.
Now, let's delve into the specific decorations mentioned in the article:
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Christmas Star: The Christmas Star, often placed at the top of the tree, symbolizes the 'Star of Bethlehem' from the Biblical story. It guided the three wise men to the baby Jesus and stands as a beacon of hope for humanity.
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Candles: Before the advent of electric lights, candles adorned Christmas trees. They represent the 'Star of Bethlehem' and add a warm, traditional glow to the tree. The transition to fairy lights and colored bulbs is also highlighted, showcasing the evolution of Christmas tree decorations.
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Wreaths: The article explains that wreaths symbolize eternal love and rebirth. Holly, a common element in wreaths, is associated with immortality, strength, and generosity, reinforcing the idea that Christmas is a time for sharing happiness.
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Mistletoe: Beyond its romantic connotations, mistletoe is depicted as having healing properties. Its ability to blossom during harsh winter months symbolizes vivacity, a belief dating back thousands of years to ancient cultures.
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Gifts: The tradition of wrapping gifts with colorful ribbon bows is explored, emphasizing that the bow is a sign of unity and happiness during the holiday season.
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Candy Canes: The red and white sweet sticks are associated with the Good Shepherd, born on Christmas. The red stripe signifies Christ's sacrifice, while white represents purity.
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Bells: Bells are said to indicate the arrival of the festive season and the birth of Jesus. The historical connection to pagan celebrations in winter adds depth to their symbolism.
The article concludes by mentioning the traditional Christmas colors, where green represents light and life, and red symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ. As we enter the Christmas season on Winter Solstice, the article encourages readers to embrace the joy of decorating their Christmas trees with family, fostering a sense of unity and happiness.
In essence, Christmas tree decorations are not just ornamental; they carry rich symbolism, weaving together stories of hope, love, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of celebration. Wishing you a safe and joyful Christmas and New Year celebrations!
