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Symbols of the Christmas Season
Christmas trees are not only the main focus of homes that have been decorated for the holidays, they can also be found in many public places such as offices, malls, and squares. These trees make the holidays feel much more festive. To most people Christmas doesn't really begin until after the traditional lighting of the town's official tree; thus starting a month-long string of holiday events.
Some people are actually taken aback somewhat to learn that the origin of the tradition of the Christmas tree actually stems from pagan rituals of ancient times. As the pagans were converted to Christianity, their use of the evergreen tree, symbolizing renewal of life, was incorporated into Christian tradition.
Many different folk tales describe the origins of the Christmas tree as we know it today. Germanic tribes held the belief that Patron trees were sacred, and medieval myths referred to the miracle of evergreen trees "flowering" during the Christmas season. The shape of an evergreen has also been linked with the holy trinity of Christian belief, which is symbolized by a triangle.
The origin of the much-loved traditional Christmas tree is accredited to the Germans, as they are thought to be the first people to bring live evergreens into the home to decorate. This was long before electricity was first used. Looking back, it's hard to imagine anyone placing lit candles on a very flammable Christmas tree, but that was the tradition. The tips of the tree's branches would support tiny candle holders, complete with actual candles that were attached very carefully.
For the last century or so, a wide variety of festive lights have taken the place of the candles that used to be placed on the tree. Some families enjoy choosing Christmas tree lighting that adds technological flair to the holidays - chasing, changing, and flashing lights run by tiny computer chips. Others select lighting reminiscent of their own childhood Christmases.
A family's ornaments are a visual record of the memories of past holidays. Children especially attach emotional importance to the Christmas ornaments. While the traditional decorating scheme of holiday ornaments is most commonly used, many people choose to forego tradition by creating theme trees, such as a beach tree covered in seashells.
The purchase of a single special ornament for each individual child every Christmas is what some families cherish. This way the children will have their own collection of favorite ornaments to use as the basis of their Christmas tree decorations when they get older.
The Christmas tree will doubtless continue to be the primary focal point of the Christmas season, continuing to bring joy, festive feelings, and treasured memories to all. These trees always add to the warmth and glow of the holiday, helping to perpetuate a longing for the return each year of Christmas.
