Christmas Symbols

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Christmas Symbols

• Their History Their Meaning

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Christmas Tree

• Evergreen trees have been a symbol since pagan
  times in England and France that winter would
  come to an end.
• The first decorations used were candles, apples,
  paper roses, candy, and cookies.
• A star on the top represents the Bethlehem star
  when Jesus was born.

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Candy Cane

• The first candy canes were a solid white color
  and straight.
• The earliest crooked candy canes appeared in
  Germany in 1670.
• Striped candy canes werent made until after
  1900.

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Candles

• Candles represent lightto light the way for
  others.
• They were first used as lights on the Christmas
  tree.

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Poinsettia

• The first U.S. ambassador to Mexico brought this
  flower to the U.S. in 1825. His name was Dr. J.
  R. Poinsett.
• They are associated with Christmas because of a
  Mexican legend.

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Bells

• Bells are rung to make announcements or for
  celebrations.
• The first bells were made in China.
• Some people wear clothing with little bells
  attached to them.

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Santa Claus

• In Holland, Dutch children believed Sinter Klaas
  would fill their wooden shoes with candy and
  treats.
• When many Dutch people settled in America,
  Sinter Klaas became Santa Clause, someone who
  brings toys and treats to children who have been
  good all year.

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Angels

• Angels are a traditional part of most religions.
• Some people like to decorate their homes and
  trees with angels.

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Nutcrackers

• Nutcrackers can be used as a tool to open or
  crack nuts.
• Wooden figures became popular in the 16th century
  in Europe.
• The soldier figure is the most popular figure.

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Carols

• Caroling began in medieval times when people
  would sing and dance. Early carols werent
  considered holy enough to sing inside a church
  and so people sung outside.
• Music is a special part of the Christmas season
  around the world.

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Stockings

• These are associated with Sinter Klaas, who
  wanted to remain anonymous and help a poor
  family. He threw gold coins down their chimney
  and they fell into a stocking that was hanging
  their to dry.

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Christmas Cards

• Cards are used to send notes of good wishes.
• The custom of sending Christmas cards began in
  1843 in England.
• The British post office used to deliver cards on
  Christmas morning.

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Mistletoe

• Mistletoe remains green throughout the year.
• It is a custom to hang a piece of it in a doorway
  and people can kiss each other while standing
  under the mistletoe.

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Food

• The tradition of cookies began in Roman times
  when people gave sweet cakes to their senators.
• Gingerbread houses have been made since the
  1300s.
• Hot wassail is a popular drink at Christmas.

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St. Nicholas

• St. Nicholas was a real person.
• He was a kind bishop who brought presents to
  children and needy people.

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Wreath

• In ancient Rome, wreaths were used as signs of
  victory.
• There are two kinds of holiday wreathsthe advent
  wreath and decorative wreath.

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Holly

• Holly is a spiny-leafed shrub with red berries
  that remains green throughout the year.
• Since pagan times it has been a symbol that
  winter would end.
• French and English families hung holly over their
  doors to symbolize that their family celebrated
  Christs birth.

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Lights

• Lights represent Jesus as the Light of the
  World.
• Lights also represent twinkling stars.

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Gifts

• Gifts were brought to the baby Jesus by the wise
  men.
• It has become a tradition to give gifts as
  Christmas.

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Nativity

• The nativity represents the birth of Jesus.
  Animals are usually part of a nativity scene.
• The scene was first created in 1224 by St.
  Francis in Italy.

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Sources

• http//www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/christma
  s/christmas-symbols/index.html
• http//z.about.com/d/homeschooling/
• Lets Celebrate Christmas by Peter and Connie
  Roop
• Holly, Reindeer, and Colored Lights The Story
  of the Christmas Symbols by Edna Barth