What is Christmas

Christmas which is celebrated on December 25th is an important Christian holiday. The origin of the word “Christmas” comes from “Christ” and the “Holy Mass”. It is believed that the day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ although a lot of people doubt that the Day corresponds to the actual date of his birth. In spite of its Christian origin, Christmas is also celebrated by a lot of non Christian countries and the celebration includes a lot of non religious customs. People exchange gifts and greeting cards. Homes are decorated with Christmas trees, light and garlands. Dinners are planned with special food and all the families gather to have a lot of fun

A central imaginary figure in Christmas is Father Christmas, also called Santa Claus. He is believed to fly on his sleigh bringing gifts for children.

Christmas is also an opportunity for economic growth. It has become an important period for business activity. Shops make a lot of profit and a lot of countries realized this economic impact.

What is Christmas symbol?

Christmas tree is the most popular symbol associated with the Christmas celebrations. It is basically an evergreen coniferous tree which is decorated with lights, stars and colorful ornaments during the days around Christmas. One can’t even imagine Christmas ambience without Christmas tree.

Stars

The Christmas star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical story, guided the three kings, or wise men, to the baby Jesus. The star is also the heavenly sign of a prophecy fulfilled long ago and the shining hope for humanity.

Candles

A candle, a mirror of starlight, is also a symbol representing the star of Bethlehem. Before electric Christmas tree lights were invented, families would use candles to light up the tree. Also, during this season, one other holidays share the significance of candles and light: Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights

Gifts with a Bow

The men who brought their gifts to honor the birth of Jesus inspired the concept of giving gifts during the holiday. According to the Christian Bible’s New Testament, Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar brought gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh to the newborn baby Jesus.

A ribbon is tied around a gift to represent how people should all be tied together in bonds of unity and goodwill during the holiday season.

The Colors Red and Green 

The color red is used at Christmas to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. It’s also reflected in the color of holly berries, which also had pagan symbolism during the winter solstice celebrations in ancient Rome.

The color green signifies everlasting light and life. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and the fir tree symbolized life during the winter. There is also a legend that says that when Jesus was born in the dead of winter, all the trees around the world shook off the snow to reveal new shoots of green.

Bells 

Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim the arrival of the season and to announce the birth of Jesus.

The ringing of bells can also be traced back to pagan winter celebrations used to drive out evil spirits.

Candy Canes

This treat represents the shape of a shepherd’s crook. Jesus, often referred to as the Good Shepherd, was born on Christmas. His birth was God’s way to bring lost lambs back to the fold. The red stripe represents blood, Christ’s sacrifice, and the white stands for his purity.

Wreaths

The wreath is a circular, never-ending symbol of eternal love and rebirth. Holly also stands for immortality and cedar for strength. Today, the wreath symbolizes generosity, giving, and the gathering of family.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, meaning it lives on the tree that it is attached to and, without it, the mistletoe would die. The plant has long been a symbol of love, and some believe that the Druids used mistletoe as a cure-all or some stories claim that it could promote fertility.

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