Let’s decorate the tree
- POSTED ON: 23 Dec, 2022
- TOTAL VIEWS: 671 Views
- POSTED BY: Ritu Vaish | Article by Nimi Kurian
- ARTICLE POINTS: 150 Points
Every ornament that is hung on the Christmas tree symbolises something, either love or peace or hope. Let’s take a look at a few of them. When you are done reading, try your hand at the word search and see how many decorative items you can identify.
The Christmas tree is believed to keep evil spirits and illnesses at bay. It was also a symbol of everlasting life with God and that’s why evergreens are preferred.
The angels visited Joseph and Mary and also appeared in the sky over Bethlehem to announce his birth. Since angels appeared in the sky, they are placed on the top of the Christmas tree. Sometimes, instead of an angel, we place a star on the top. This represents the star that appeared in the sky to guide the wise men to the Christ child.
Bells are hung on the tree because traditionally it is believed that the ringing of bells drives out evil spirits. And on the Christmas tree, the bells symbolise the announcement of Jesus’ birth, as the heavenly host praising God.
Have you seen a red-and-white candy cane shaped like a shepherd’s crook on the tree? This represents the shepherds who were the first to worship Christ. Also, Jesus is often called the Good Shepherd. Another meaning is that the white represents Jesus’ purity and the red stands for his blood or sacrifice.
The holly tree has sharp leaves and is said to signify the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. The red berries imply his blood.
The fruit basket on the other hand represents food. It is a sign of having plenty to eat and reminds us to be generous and share with others. The pine cone represents fruitfulness, eternity, motherhood, and fertility and the heart symbolises true love and love in the home.
The dove represents the Holy Spirit and symbolises joy and happiness. If the bird is in a nest, then it represents confidence in the cottage or home.
A frog is not so common, but sometimes it does find a place on the tree. A traditional symbol of good luck, the forward movement of frogs reminds us to move towards our goals.
The teapot symbolises hospitality and reminds us to welcome our guests. A pickle ornament hidden in the tree is another tradition. It is believed that the person who finds it will have a year of good fortune.
The parasitic Mistletoe is one of the four plants that are symbols of Christmas. It grows on a variety of trees and continues to live even when those trees drop their leaves in autumn. Hence it became a symbol of fertility and everlasting life.