Before starting your Christmas decorations, you should know about the 12 symbols of Christmas and also discover the secret meaning behind classic Christmas ornaments. Once you get to know the meaning behind those Christmas decorations we bet you will hang each one on your Christmas tree. Also, play our Christmas decorations quiz to make it more interesting.
What are the 12 symbols of Christmas?
Have you ever wondered what are the 12 symbols of Christmas and why people hang them on Christmas trees? Discover everything here. The 12 different symbols of Christmas are the Christmas tree, wreaths, candy canes, red and green colors, gingerbread man, bells, mistletoe, candle, star, tinsel, stockings, gifts with a bow.
While these holiday decorations may seem arbitrary, most of these traditional decorations have a special meaning. Find out the secret meanings behind classic Christmas ornaments here.
What does the Christmas tree symbolize?
- A. Eternal Life
- B. Wealth
- C. Prosperity
- D. None of the Above
- Christmas Tree
Unlike other trees, the Christmas tree has a special meaning. The evergreen Christmas tree never turns brown even during the winter season. This evergreen Christmas tree symbolizes eternal life.
- Wreaths
Wreaths aren’t all about the decoration that can be hung on your front door. Wreaths are a circular symbol of love and rebirth. However, most Christians think that wreaths represent thorns worn by Jesus and the tiny red berries are his blood.
- Candy Canes
Candy Cane represents the shape of a shepherd’s crook. Jesus is also known as the Good Shepherd. Jesus’ birth is considered as God’s way to bring lost lambs back to the fold. The red stripe on the candy cane represents blood, the sacrifice of Christ, and the white stands for his purity.
- Gingerbread Man
The gingerbread man is basically for children that represent “Be careful who you trust”. The Gingerbread man and house originated in Germany during the 16th century.
- Red and Green Colors
The color red is used during Christmas to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. The color green signifies everlasting light and life. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year.
- Bells
Since bells are traditionally rung at the beginning of mass in Catholic services, they’ve naturally become a part of Christmas decor over the years. Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim the arrival of the Christmas season and also to announce the birth of Jesus. The ringing of bells can also be used to drive out evil spirits.
- Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, meaning it lives on the tree that it is attached to and the mistletoe would die when it is not attached. The plants have long been a symbol of love, and some believe that the mistletoe is a cure-all, or some stories claim that it could promote fertility.
- Candle
The candle is considered the mirror of starlight. The mirror helps reflect our thanks for the star of Bethlehem from the Gospel of Matthew. Before electric candles were invented people used candles to decorate their houses and Christmas trees.
- Star
The star is one of the Xmas symbols that is used everywhere during Christmas. The star symbol represents the new star that appeared on the night of Christ’s birth. It is a heavenly sign of a prophecy that represents the shining hope for humanity.
- Tinsel and Spider
Santa Claus saw the beautiful webs and miraculously transformed them into silver and gold tinsel so the woman who worked hard to clean her house would not be dismayed. People hang tinsel on their Christmas trees following this tradition. It has also become a custom to include a spider among the decorations.
- Stockings
Stockings are now stuffed with gifts after St. Nicolas heard of the tough time a widowed father had with his children, so Santa slid down the chimney and filled his daughter’s stockings with gold coins.
- Christmas Gifts with Bow
The men who brought their gifts to honor the birth of Jesus inspired the concept of giving gifts during the holiday. A ribbon is tied around a gift to represent how people should all be tied together in bonds of unity and goodwill during the holiday season.