The decorated pine tree is associated with Christmas, though its use can be traced back 4000 years to various ancient cultures. The evergreen pine bough was believed to symbolise “life over death” during the winter solstice, the shortest day in the year.
Creche
The word 'creche' is of German origin and derived from the old French word cresche and means “crib'. The traditional Nativity creche consists of various depictions of Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus in a manger. Attending figures may include shepherds, the stable animals, the three wise men , the star and angelic heralds.
The word 'creche' is of German origin and derived from the old French word cresche and means “crib'. The traditional Nativity creche consists of various depictions of Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus in a manger. Attending figures may include shepherds, the stable animals, the three wise men , the star and angelic heralds.
Star
The Star (of Bethlehem) is usually placed on the top of the Christmas tree and it references the “bright and morning star” (Rev. 22:16) who is Jesus Christ. It is said to have a two-fold symbolism:
The Magi (Three Wise Men or Three Kings)
As recorded in the gospel of Matthew and Luke, “three wise men” journeyed “ from the east” and found the baby Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea. They were guided by the appearance of a Star in the Heavens, which heralded the Birth of the one born “King of the Jews.” As recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, they worshipped the Christ child and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These three wise men were Casper from Tarnish, Balthazar from Saba and Melchoir from Arabia.
The Star (of Bethlehem) is usually placed on the top of the Christmas tree and it references the “bright and morning star” (Rev. 22:16) who is Jesus Christ. It is said to have a two-fold symbolism:
1. It signifies the 'Star of Bethlehem' which guided the Three Wise Men from the East to the infant Jesus.
2. It attests to the greatness of God who created the numberless stars (Gen: 1:16).
The Magi (Three Wise Men or Three Kings)
As recorded in the gospel of Matthew and Luke, “three wise men” journeyed “ from the east” and found the baby Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea. They were guided by the appearance of a Star in the Heavens, which heralded the Birth of the one born “King of the Jews.” As recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, they worshipped the Christ child and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These three wise men were Casper from Tarnish, Balthazar from Saba and Melchoir from Arabia.
Santa Claus
Also known as Father Christmas, Santa, Saint Nick and Kris Kringle. Commonly depicted as a jolly old man with a long white beard and wearing a red suit, Santa Claus is popular with children as a gift-giving figure. On Christmas Eve night he travels around the world, flying across the sky in a sleigh drawn by eight reindeer. In his sleigh is a sack of gifts (usually toys), which he distributes to children throughout the world. He enters households by sliding down the chimney with his sack of toys. He places the gifts under the christmas tree or in socks and stockings hung for that purpose. All this is done while the children sleep. During the year children write letters to him at his home in the North Pole, telling him what gifts they would like to receive for Christmas.The most important single source for the modern day version of Santa Claus comes from the Christmas poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” by Clement C. Moore. Written for his children in 1823, the family poem was later published for the public and included what became the now famous picture of Santa Claus.
Also known as Father Christmas, Santa, Saint Nick and Kris Kringle. Commonly depicted as a jolly old man with a long white beard and wearing a red suit, Santa Claus is popular with children as a gift-giving figure. On Christmas Eve night he travels around the world, flying across the sky in a sleigh drawn by eight reindeer. In his sleigh is a sack of gifts (usually toys), which he distributes to children throughout the world. He enters households by sliding down the chimney with his sack of toys. He places the gifts under the christmas tree or in socks and stockings hung for that purpose. All this is done while the children sleep. During the year children write letters to him at his home in the North Pole, telling him what gifts they would like to receive for Christmas.The most important single source for the modern day version of Santa Claus comes from the Christmas poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” by Clement C. Moore. Written for his children in 1823, the family poem was later published for the public and included what became the now famous picture of Santa Claus.
Mistletoe
The mistletoe (Viscum album) is an evergreen parasitic plant found on trees. Its use dates back to pre-Christianity in Europe where the Celts used it to decorate their homes to celebrate the coming of winter. It was regarded as bestowing future hope and peace to any who passed under it. The leaves and berries however are toxic to humans. At Christmas time it is customary to hang mistletoe from the ceiling. Couples exchange kisses under the mistletoe as a sign of friendship and goodwill.
The mistletoe (Viscum album) is an evergreen parasitic plant found on trees. Its use dates back to pre-Christianity in Europe where the Celts used it to decorate their homes to celebrate the coming of winter. It was regarded as bestowing future hope and peace to any who passed under it. The leaves and berries however are toxic to humans. At Christmas time it is customary to hang mistletoe from the ceiling. Couples exchange kisses under the mistletoe as a sign of friendship and goodwill.
Holly and Ivy
The Holly (Ilex aquilolium) is an attractive plant with scarlet berries. It is said to represent eternal life and was used by early Christians as a form of decoration. The holly's red berries signify joy and excitement. When used together, the holly and the ivy are regarded as symbols of friendship.
The Holly (Ilex aquilolium) is an attractive plant with scarlet berries. It is said to represent eternal life and was used by early Christians as a form of decoration. The holly's red berries signify joy and excitement. When used together, the holly and the ivy are regarded as symbols of friendship.
Poinsettia
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrmia) or Flower of the Holy Night is accepted as a Christmas symbol in North and South America. It was discovered in Mexico by Dr. Joel R. Poinsette US Ambassador to Mexico. Its sale and use are popular around Christmas time as a decorative item for the home.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrmia) or Flower of the Holy Night is accepted as a Christmas symbol in North and South America. It was discovered in Mexico by Dr. Joel R. Poinsette US Ambassador to Mexico. Its sale and use are popular around Christmas time as a decorative item for the home.
No comments:
Post a Comment