By Marija Lovrenc |
Find out why you decorate Christmas tree! |
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A cottage in the snow, a warm light that spills over from the windows, smoke from chimneys and a crystal sky full of stars - for many this is the first image that comes to mind when thinking of Christmas, the silent night.
Then follow other images – a Christmas tree, families together with childhood stories, straw on the floor, candles on the table and a full spread of homemade delicacies prepared by the diligent hands of the household.
Maybe your Christmas memories are different from the above mentioned, but one thing is certain: you have at least one symbol which is in your mind linked exclusively to Christmas.
It is the reason you can cheer up even in the most difficult moments, feel safe and know there is a place you truly belong.
But what is the real story of Christmas symbols and why are they an indispensable part of our home?
Why a tree, wheat or straw? We did the research for you and found the answer to this question.
1. Christmas tree
The most famous symbol of Christmas has a long tradition. Evergreen trees were used by people for centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ as protection against evil spirits and diseases.
Branches of fir, pine or spruce decorated the doors and windows, as a sign of the ceremony and as protection.
In Nordic traditions the tree was associated with the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, between December 21st and December 22nd.
The ancients believed that the sun god fell ill and weakened, which is why the days grew shorter and the nights and darkness grew longer.
The winter solstice marked the end of that period, after which the deity again recovered and slowly restored the Sun and light.
Evergreen trees that were introduced into the ancients' homes reminded them that all plants grow back and that summer would return.
The Roman solstice was connected with the Saturnalia celebration of Saturn, the god of the land and agriculture. Green branches were a symbol of their expectation of the re-flowering of plants and flourishing of fruits and grass.
Christmas traditions most similar to those of today, according to historical sources, date back to the 16th century in Germany. Families would first make a wooden pyramid that was decorated with branches of the evergreen tree and candles, to signify something sacred.
There is a widespread belief that the first candles on a Christmas tree were introduced by the Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther.
The stars that sparkled through the trees in the garden full of snow so fascinated Luther that, allegedly, he introduced to his home a tree decorated by candles to create an atmosphere that was as close as possible to the natural state outside.
The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree knows no borders. Firs and spruce have been decorated with all sorts of things - fruits, nuts, candy, tree branches, lights, paper, wood, glass and other decorations.
The only limit to decoration is the imagination, depending on one’s tastes and abilities.
2. Poinsettia
This beautiful "flower of the holy night", with its red and green leaves has become an unmissable Christmas symbol in every home.
According to Mexican legend, a poor little girl wanted to bring a gift to the Church on Christmas Eve in honor of the Virgin Mary.
But she had nothing to give, and the legend states that she was contacted by an angel who told her to take some weeds.
The weeds that were found and put on the altar turned into a beautiful flower with red and green leaves, which has become a symbol of Christmas.
Besides homes, it can be used to decorate religious structures. Since it likes temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius, many enjoy it briefly, only during the holiday season.
The symbolism of this flower has thrilled millions of people which is why Poinsettia, whose botanical name Euphorbia pulcherrima means very pretty, has been the most popular holiday plant.
3. Straw
Straw is part of the traditional Christmas atmosphere in homes and is put in place on Christmas Eve. People place it on the floor and under the tablecloth on the table.
Christian symbolism associates the straw with the birth of Jesus, whose parents Mary and Joseph placed him on straw after his birth in a manger.
For children, therefore, straw was a unique experience and in the countryside during the Christmas season kids would, from three to four days, sleep on straw at all times while in the house.
People’s belief in straw is connected with predicting the future - many modern homes today there are a few straws under the tablecloth in the living room as a sign of good luck.
Whoever draws the longer straw will live longer, says an old folk custom. At the same time, the folklore surrounding straw is known as a means of ensuring the fertility of fruit trees in the coming year – it is enough to put it under fruit trees for the Feast of Three Kings, or shortly after Christmas.
4. Wheat
Wheat is sown on December 13th, the day of Saint Lucy.
Is is a tradition that symbolizes the renewal of life and fertility.
Folk beliefs say that the density, color and type of sprouted blades predict the wheat harvest of the next year.
If the wheat is thick, shiny and firm, families who grow it will in the coming year have an abundance of health, success and happiness.
Grown wheat is usually put beside the manger, or separately, on the holiday table, with the mandatory decorative strip.
In the modern version, it can replace a decorative plant in any part of the home.
5. Angels, Nativity Scenes and Bells
Angels are known to almost all world religions, which represent them as messengers, protectors, guides and supernatural beings, beings of light.
They are connected with a protective role in human life, especially for children and the sick.
A trend of rediscovering angels in human life is currently dominant in the world today.
In Christian families, one of the main Christmas symbols is the nursery - the place of Jesus' birth, with animals and shepherds who come to worship him.
In modern versions the nursery can be made of all kinds of materials, sizes and shapes.
There are more and more "Live Nativity Scenes", with actors in the streets in cities on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Jingle Bells, according to tradition, are used to announce an important event.
In ancient times, bells were associated with the pagan tradition of the winter celebration, during which the bells chased evil spirits away.
Later, bells were involved in all sorts of important events and activities, as well as numerous legends.
They are found everywhere - as ornaments on a Christmas tree, on caps, and as individual musical instruments.
They are responsible for that special Christmas atmosphere and create memories that last a lifetime.
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