Christmas 2023: Fascinating history behind popular symbols
Many of us enjoy the holidays without understanding what each Christmas symbol means. From Christmas cookies, stockings, and mistletoe to eggnog, wreaths, and candy canes, the joy of the holidays may not be the same without these seasonal treats and festive decor items. Today, let's explore the most popular Christmas symbols and the story behind their origin.
Christmas tree
The Christmas tree commonly associated with the 16th century is believed to have originated in Germany. Legend goes that during a night stroll in the woods, Protestant reformer Martin Luther was awed by the stars shining through the evergreen trees. To replicate this, he cut down a tree, took it home, and adorned it with candles. However, no historical documentation supports this story.
Stars
A shining star is a common addition to Christmas trees, although some people choose to use other ways to incorporate the star motif. It is one of the most obvious Christmas symbols that has permeated even non-religious celebrations. It symbolizes the star that emerged in the sky shortly after Jesus' birth, guiding the Three Wise Men to meet him in Bethlehem.
Wreaths
During the winter solstice, the Northern Europe pagans would decorate their homes with wheels adorned with lights and greenery to entice the sun back toward them. They believed that the sun was a wheel that drifted away from Earth. The meaning of the wreaths changed with time as Jesus's salvation and the everlasting love of God were symbolized by the evergreens and unbroken circle.
Christmas stockings
The most widely told tale claims that an elderly man, unable to provide his three daughters with a suitable wedding dowry, was concerned about their future. Saint Nicholas desired to assist, but he knew the man would not accept alms. With that, he descended their chimney and placed gold in each of the stockings, which were left to dry by the fireplace.
Candy canes
A choirmaster at the Cathedral of Cologne once gave peppermint sticks to keep the choir members occupied during rehearsal for the Nativity Scene presentation in 1670 because he couldn't stop them from talking. To serve as a reminder that Jesus is the "good shepherd" who protects his flock, he asked a candy maker to turn them into the shape of a shepherd's hook.
Lights
Even if you don't give it much thought, decorating with lights makes sense because Christmas falls during a cold and dark season in many parts of the world. For believers, the decorative lights represent Jesus' role as the world's source of illumination and his mission to deliver humanity from darkness. Theologian Martin Luther is credited with starting this custom in the 16th century.
