THE CHRISTMAS TREE
SYMBOL OF HOPE AND CONTINUITY
We waited impatiently for that blessed day, which, long in advance, began to shine in our eyes with a gentle clarity!
Christmas is around the corner, inviting us to “lower our arms” and relive the enchantment of our childhood memories during the magical nights of festivity!
Christmas Eve is a night of peace where we become children, intoxicated with pleasure. It is also a family holiday, celebrating the bonds between the generations gathered. This vigil remains sacred since we forget the grudges, jealousies, and disputes, even for only one night.
On the other hand, the illuminations and the atmosphere of Christmas Eve make us forget that, under our latitudes, winter and its shadows reign, for a time, as masters.
The house’s interior is decorated with decorated pines, sparkling candles, a good fire in the fireplace, gifts in multi-colored packaging under the tree, sweets on the table, and restless children.
Christmas is also a holiday with many symbols. However, the main symbol of Christmas is, without a doubt, light! Light is understandable at a time of year when, in several countries, the days are short and the nights are long and where rain, cold, and wind invade homes.
The light of Christmas arrives not only to drive out the darkness but also to represent hope and the fight against evil. A single magic word can then replace the light of the sun. It is “Christmas!”
As lighting is essential to the atmosphere of Christmas, candles play a significant role in the holiday. The Christmas candle, the symbol par excellence of light, imposes itself with its solemn character. And when the last candle is lit, Christmas will be there. Most often, the candles are red to evoke fire and light. On Swedish-inspired wreaths, the candles are white—the color of celebration and purity. In Austria, however, they choose violets because this color symbolizes penance.
Another persistent symbol of Christmas is the pine tree!
Rare are those to whom we must present the Christmas tree today! Here is a forest tree that, despite massive and continuous deforestation throughout the civilized world, has been able to assert not only its rights to man but has also acquired its recognition. The Christmas tree is one of the rare specimens with which man has established an emotional relationship. The beautiful pine, “king of the forests,” also brings together several other symbols, showing nature’s riches.
Long ago, in primitive times, trees were used to decorate houses. This tradition probably came from these people worshiping trees, especially evergreens. The ancient Celtic sages saw a sign of hope and peace through plants. The Romans used flowers and branches not only during their rites but also in their everyday lives. Roman victorious generals wore a laurel wreath that symbolized their power. Later, the emperors wore a crown of gold olive leaves to celebrate a significant victory. The Saxons also used holly, ivy, and laurel in their rituals.
Since time immemorial, the holly plant has been linked to Christmas. People once attributed it to immortality due to its incredible resistance. They also credited it with magical powers against evil effects. The Christians of Northern Europe gave this plant a spiritual meaning. It evoked in their eyes not only the burning bush of Moses but also the love of God filling the heart of Mary. Its thorns and red balls also recalled the crown of Jesus and his passion.
According to the legend and miracles surrounding the holly, as Herod’s soldiers were about to catch up with the Holy Family, the holly spread its branches to hide and protect them. Mary, thus saved, showed her gratitude by blessing the plant and giving it the power to remain evergreen all year.
But holly is not the only Christmas plant associated with Christmas that has the trait of staying green all year. Mistletoe has also worked on the same “ground” for a long time.
The Druids, who played a determining role in Celtic society, offered the world the beautiful tradition of the mistletoe, for they considered this traditional seasonal plant a symbol of peace and prosperity. The mistletoe was a prized plant on New Year’s Eve among the Druids and Gauls. It was harvested with a golden sickle due to its supernatural qualities and decorative value, which have been valued for millennia.
The mistletoe was attributed with miraculous powers—curing diseases, blessing the family, and protecting against evil spells.
According to ancient folk beliefs, even when two sworn enemies met (accidentally) under a branch of mistletoe, they had to drop their weapons and become friends.
Tradition dictates that we precisely kiss under a branch of mistletoe at Christmas, especially New Year’s Day at midnight. A kiss exchanged under the tuft was a promise of marriage and a harbinger of happiness, a symbol of prosperity and long life.
As for the Asians, they have been, since time immemorial, fervent worshippers of trees and plants, some of which are abundantly used in their religious rituals.
The custom of decorating fir trees for Christmas goes back many years. Today, rare are those houses that do not welcome the Christmas tree. The custom is believed to have originated in Germany. The Nordic peoples of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, where forests abound, have also adopted the tradition of bringing small fir trees into their homes, especially during the festive season.
The tradition of using the fir tree in homes as an ornamental symbol of life existed in Great Britain when German prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha married Queen Victoria. Prince Albert set up the first Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841. Since then, England has adopted this conifer for its Christmas celebrations.
Among the other symbols of Christmas linked to the fir tree are the Christmas baubles. These baubles, often made of glass, were intended to protect the house from evil spirits, and they were the first glass ornaments made for the Christmas tree. They were produced in Lauscha, Germany, around 1830. By their shape, these Christmas baubles are reminiscent of the red apples decorating the tree of Paradise.
The star that shines at the top of the Christmas tree symbolizes the end of the journey, the haven of peace. Representing the Star of Bethlehem and belonging to the history of the Nativity of Christ, this star would have guided the three wise men to the stable where Jesus was born to bring him gold, incense, and myrrh.
The tradition of the Christmas tree gradually extended to several non-European nations across the globe. Believed to have originated in Germany, the wonderful little tree spread to other non-European countries in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, numerous cultures around the world celebrate Christmas regardless of whether they live in regions with a European winter or whether they follow the Christian faith or not. The result is that today, the Christmas tree is more than just a Christian affair worldwide. Families install a fantastic little Christmas tree, whether natural or artificial, in their homes days before the New Year celebrations. The traditional colors of Christmas tree decorations are red and green. Green represents the continuity of life even in winter and the Christian belief in eternal life through Christ. The red color symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, shed during the crucifixion. Families worldwide decorate their Christmas trees in various ways, but generally, angel hair, colored decorations, and twinkling electric bulbs, which symbolize the light essential to life, are used. A bright star is fixed permanently at the top of the tree, representing the shepherd’s star to Bethlehem’s stable, where Jesus was born.
The Christmas tree story would only be complete if we remembered to mention here its eternal association with a character known throughout the world nicknamed Santa Claus.
The origin of Santa Claus needs to be clarified. Still, he is likely a combination of several different figures. One possible source is Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra, Asia Minor, known for his generosity and kindness. He is said to have given gifts to children secretly, and his legend eventually merged with the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, who brought gifts to children on December 6th.
Another possible source of Santa Claus is the English figure of Father Christmas, a jolly character associated with the winter solstice and giving gifts. Father Christmas was often depicted in a long green robe and with a staff in his hand. He gives gifts to children.
Over time, the various figures of Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, and Father Christmas blended to form the modern-day Santa Claus.
A beloved figure worldwide today, Santa Claus is associated with joy, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas. He serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of giving and spreading happiness to others.
The story of the Christmas tree and Santa Claus are just two of the many traditions that make Christmas such a special time of year. These traditions serve as a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and the spirit of giving. They also allow us to celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season.
The Christmas tree remains a central part of the Christmas tradition worldwide. It is a symbol of hope, joy, and the festive season. Although Christmas trees are not worshipped, they have become a significant symbol in human life everywhere. The evergreen tree represents the strength of life, fighting and overcoming the forces of nature.
