During Christmas, many people are accustomed to decorating their homes with endless ornaments typical of the holiday season, from candles to holly wreaths. But have you ever wondered what these Christmas ornaments mean?
Each ornament symbolizes something: Home protection, good luck, the unity of the family, etc. In this oneHOWTO article we'll explain what is the meaning of Christmas ornaments. Read on!
What is the meaning of Christmas candles?
The first meaning of Christmas ornaments we'd like to talk about are Christmas candles. Candles have religious significance in many cultures, and they're often used in winter ceremonies and rituals as worship offerings. In some countries in Scandinavia, during the feast of St. Lucia a girl is crowned with candles.
Even in non-religious households, the candles that are lit during Christmas are meant to wish that the new year will be better than the one coming to an end. Many people light candles for New Years Eve to make wishes. These wishes are normally associated with money, health and love for the year which is about to begin. Moreover, they bring a warmth and coziness to the house that everyone can appreciate.
What is the meaning of Christmas wreaths?
Christmas wreaths can have two meanings depending on their colors: Green is a sign of light and life and red is for protection. Therefore, the Christmas wreath is a symbol of eternal life.
What is the meaning of Christmas pine cones?
Pine cones are widely used decorative items for Christmas, especially to decorate the tree or as table centerpieces. They have a double meaning: On the one hand, pine cones can symbolize secrecy, as they are closed. However, they also symbolize the unity of a blood or a chosen family. In addition, pine cones are a sign of hope and represent immortality.
If you'd like to know more on pine cones at Christmas, take a look at our article on How to make pine cone Christmas decorations.
What is the meaning of the poinsettia?
The poinsettia is a typical Christmas plant. In almost every celebrating house, especially in Mexico and the United States, it is a part of Christmas decorations. The red leaves guarantee luck and fortune to the owners, while the plant is also considered a symbol of Christian devotion.
Many people think it is good luck to keep a poinsettia living on after Christmas, this is why you can learn how to take care of a poinsettia after Christmas.
What is the meaning of mistletoe at Christmas?
In ancient times, druids cut mistletoe with their golden sickle. This served as protection and as a medicine - in small doses, as in large doses it can be lethal. Today, mistletoe is usually hung on the doors and is a symbol for the purifying of the home. Furthermore, it is said that lovers have to kiss under the mistletoe to have eternal love. For more information you can take a look at our article on the meaning of mistletoe.
What is the meaning of Christmas bells?
The bells that we use to decorate our houses at Christmas represent a message of joy to all humanity through the arrival of Christmas, New Year and the newborn Jesus.
What is the meaning of Christmas balls?
Many of us decorate the Christmas tree with many colored balls as ornaments, but it is quite likely that we have never stopped to think why this tradition exists. What is the meaning of Christmas balls? Christmas balls represent apples hanging on the branches of sacred trees which were use to make the spirits of nature and the fertility of the earth return.
What is the meaning of the Christmas tree?
Now you know about the meaning of different Christmas ornaments, how about taking a look at the most iconic object of Christmas?
Many ancient cultures have used evergreens - the whole tree or as decorative wreaths - as a symbol of eternal life, as these trees do not lose their leaves even in the coldest of winter. The Christmas fir tree has a very long history, and its origins are not Christian. In fact, the peoples of Scandinavia believed that evergreens would scare the Devil away, and it reminded them that spring would eventually come back.
Some other possible meanings of the Christmas tree refer to its triangular shape, which can symbolize the Holy Trinity, and the tree of life from the Old Testament, which explains why people hung apples and other round fruits as ornaments.
Are you interested in using Christmas ornaments now that you know what they mean? Then take a look at the following articles:
- How to decorate a terrace for Christmas with nature-inspired ornaments
- How to make your own Christmas decorations with waste materials
- How to have a sustainable Christmas
If you want to read similar articles to What Is The Meaning Of Christmas Ornaments?, we recommend you visit our Festivities & Celebrations category.