By Corina Tan
The sights, smells, and sounds of the Christmas season are usually familiar to most people, but why do these random traditions signify Christmas? Read on to find out where some of the more popular symbols come from and what their connections are to the festive season.
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Christmas Trees
Ever wonder why people put up Christmas trees? Well, up until the 1840s, Christmas trees were seen primarily as pagan symbols, but in the 16th century, German Christians would bring trees inside their homes as a symbol of everlasting life. Then in 1846, Queen Victoria and her German husband Prince Albert, set up a Christmas tree in their palace. They were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing in front of their decorated Christmas tree with their children. Since Queen Victoria was very popular in England and around the world, people accepted the tradition and started doing it themselves. Since then, the Christmas tree has been part of yearly traditions all over the world.
Christmas Tree Lights
Sixteenth-century German theologian Martin Luther is said to be the first person to put lights on a Christmas tree. Legend has it that when he was walking through the forest one night, he was moved by the beautiful stars shining through the trees. He then recreated this magnificent sight for his family, by putting a tree in their living room and placing candles on its branches. This tradition must have caught on, and today every tree in sight is decorated with beautiful blinking lights at Christmas.
Stars
The symbol of the star, unlike other pagan traditions, started with references to the Christmas story of how the three wise men were guided by a very bright star to a manger where the baby Jesus was born. That star was known as the Star of Bethlehem or in modern times, the Christmas Star. Some scientists believe that a planetary conjunction could have been what the three wise men saw. The significance of the star represents light and hope for mankind. This is why when decorating Christmas trees, many people put a star on top of the Christmas tree, to remember the significant bright star that led the way on that fateful night.
Snowmen
These cute little men were especially popular during the Middle Ages, when people lacked the resources for artistic expression. Instead of looking for traditional art supplies, they turned to snow as there were plenty of it all around. The first documented Snowman appeared in 1380, and Michelangelo himself was commissioned to build a snowman for the ruler of Florence. Even though there isn’t any real religious or cultural significance to the snowman, we can’t deny that this adorable man has become an endearing figure to all.
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Fruitcake
In Victorian times, fruitcakes were the height of indulgence during the Christmas season as they contained dried or preserved fruit, and nuts saved from the fall especially for special occasions. The type of cake itself goes back to Roman times when a similar concoction called satura lasted forever without going bad. The Christmas fruitcake tradition has been passed down today in all its richness and is frequently served at get-togethers with family and friends.
Candy Cane
Legend has it that the candy cane was first invented by a choirmaster to keep choir boys occupied during long Christmas services. They were made into the shape of a shepherd’s crook to symbolise Jesus as the shepherd to his followers. In the 1920s this treat was mass-produced in America and quickly became a popular Christmas symbol all over the world.
Bells
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What would Christmas be without bells? Sleighbells, church bells, jingle bells – but why are bells associated with Christmas? Well, this historical symbol was used in pagan traditions to ward off evil spirits, and church bells are usually rung to signify important events like weddings and letting churchgoers know it’s time for services. Jingle bells on the other hand are linked to Santa’s sleigh as the bells would be the only way you’d know the reindeers were coming!
Santa Claus
Santa is a legend from Eastern Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to well-behaved children. Generally depicted as a portly, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white fur cuffs and collar, red hat and black boots, he is commonly portrayed as laughing in a way that sounds like “ho ho ho”. Known around the world by various names like Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle or simply Santa, the image was made popular by cartoonist Thomas Nast and an 1823 poem “A Visit from St Nicholas” or better known as “’ Twas the night before Christmas”. While not having any religious significance to Christmas at all, Santa Claus has become a popular character associated with the joyful season of gift-giving.
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