Christmas
celebrations
are
noted
for
their
colourful
traditions,
each
with
significant
symbolism.
From
vivid
poinsettias
to
shimmering
bells,
Christmas
symbols,
such
as
the
stars,
weave
an
intricate
design
that
connects
you
to
the
holiday’s
roots.
These
symbols
illuminate
houses
and
encourage
thought
on
love,
hope,
and
faith
in
Christ
Jesus.
Here
are
10
symbols
of
Christmas
and
their
meanings:
The
Christmas
Tree
Christmas
Tree
The
Christmas
tree
signifies
the
eternal
life
and
love
of
God.
Its
evergreen
nature
represents
hope
and
the
possibility
of
new
life.
Some
traditions
associate
the
tree
with
the
Tree
of
Life
or
the
Tree
of
Knowledge
in
the
Garden
of
Eden.
The
tradition
of
having
an
evergreen
Christmas
tree
originated
in
16th-century
Germany.
Evergreen
trees
have
unique
importance
long
before
Christ
was
born,
representing
hope
and
renewal
in
the
midst
of
winter’s
barrenness.
The
Star
The
Star
The
Christmas
star
commemorates
the
Star
of
Bethlehem,
which
led
the
Wise
Men
to
Jesus’
birthplace.
It
represents
hope,
heavenly
direction,
and
the
arrival
of
Christ’s
light
into
the
world.
These
tree
toppers
have
evolved
and
are
made
of
metal,
glass,
and
fabric.
Aside
from
their
spiritual
significance,
stars
represent
hope,
throwing
a
warm
glow
over
holiday
festivities
and
reflecting
varied
cultural
talents.
The
Christmas
Wreath
<strong>The
Christmas
Wreath<strong>
A
wreath
constructed
of
evergreens
represents
eternal
life
because
its
circular
shape
has
neither
beginning
nor
end.
It
also
expresses
the
hope
of
the
Christmas
season
and
the
impending
arrival
of
Christ.
Evergreens
can
signify
Jesus,
who
provides
eternal
life,
and
His
gift
to
humanity.
Martin
Luther
is
claimed
to
have
brought
a
lit
tree
within,
inspired
by
stars
illuminating
through
evergreens,
a
common
tradition.
The
Bell
The
Bells
For
generations,
bells
have
symbolized
joy
and
festivity.
The
ringing
of
church
bells
at
Christmas
announces
Christ’s
birth.
Some
people
interpret
the
bell
as
a
symbol
of
God’s
call
to
humanity.
According
to
Luke’s
Gospel,
angels
appeared
to
shepherds,
praising
God
and
announcing
glory
to
God
in
the
highest,
as
well
as
peace
and
goodwill
on
earth.
Bells
ring
out
a
religious
message
of
peace,
hope,
and
celebration,
reminding
people
of
the
joy
of
Christ’s
arrival.
The
Christmas
Stocking
<strong>The
Christmas
Stocking<strong>
The
tradition
of
hanging
stockings
originated
with
the
narrative
of
St.
Nicholas,
who
covertly
handed
gifts
to
youngsters.
It
represents
the
act
of
giving,
kindness,
and
charity
during
the
holidays.
Bishop
Nicholas
wanted
to
help,
so
he
quietly
placed
three
gold
balls
into
their
stockings,
which
were
hung
by
the
fire.
The
tradition
of
hanging
stockings
is
based
on
a
narrative
in
which
Saint
Nicholas
discreetly
hid
gold
in
stockings
to
benefit
a
low-income
household.
This
gesture
of
goodwill
allowed
them
to
marry.
Stockings
symbolize
Jesus
Christ’s
example
of
unselfish
service.
The
Poinsettia
<strong>The
Poinsettia<strong>
Native
to
Mexico,
the
poinsettia
has
become
a
Christmas
emblem,
depicting
the
Star
of
Bethlehem.
The
red
leaves
are
thought
to
represent
Christ’s
blood,
while
the
flower’s
shape
resembles
a
star,
highlighting
Christ’s
birth.
The
star-shaped
leaves
depict
the
star
that
led
the
Wise
Men
to
Jesus.
Red
poinsettias
symbolize
Christ’s
sacrifice
for
Christians,
whereas
white
poinsettias
represent
His
purity.
The
Candy
Cane
<strong>The
Candy
Cane<strong>
The
candy
cane
is
thought
to
depict
the
shepherd’s
crook,
which
symbolizes
Jesus’
role
as
the
Good
Shepherd.
The
form
is
also
believed
to
represent
the
letter
“J”
for
Jesus.
The
white
tint
denotes
purity,
while
the
red
stripes
symbolize
Christ’s
sacrifice.
Since
1670,
candy
canes
have
been
used
to
keep
children
calm
during
church
services.
A
candy
cane
represents
the
shepherd’s
staff,
which
directs
sheep.
Christmas
Gifts
<strong>Christmas
Gifts<strong>
People
associate
Christmas
with
a
variety
of
things,
including
gift-giving
and
decorating,
as
well
as
eating
together
and
attending
events.
While
these
customs
provide
joy,
Christians
understand
that
the
genuine
spirit
of
Christmas
began
almost
2,000
years
ago
in
Bethlehem.
People
give
gifts
to
honour
the
Wise
Men’s
gifts,
which
commemorate
Jesus
Christ’s
birth
as
God’s
great
gift
to
humanity.
Decorating
with
Lights
and
Candles
<strong>Decorating
with
Lights
and
Candles<strong>
Lights
represent
Jesus’
joy
and
brightness
and
are
commonly
utilized
to
overcome
the
dreary
winter
season.
The
beloved
Christmas
traditions—on
trees,
in
homes,
and
at
lighted
gatherings—represent
Jesus
Christ
as
the
light
of
the
world.
These
lights
motivate
Christians
to
shine
for
others
and
lead
them
to
Jesus.
For
ages,
candles
have
illuminated
the
season,
symbolizing
the
star
at
Jesus’
birth.
Before
electric
lighting,
Christmas
trees
were
decorated
with
candles.
The
Angel
<strong>The
Angel<strong>
Angels
are
God’s
messengers,
and
at
Christmas,
they
represent
the
announcement
of
Jesus’
birth.
According
to
Christian
belief,
the
angelic
hosts
declared
peace
on
earth
and
goodwill
to
all
men.