The Symbols of Christmas

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Have you ever wondered why people hang tinsel on Christmas trees, or how candy canes became synonymous with the winter holiday? While these holiday decorations may seem commonplace, most of these traditional decorations have a special meaning to us as Christians.


The green evergreen or fir tree signifies the everlasting light and life. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and the fir tree symbolized life during the winter.

The branches of the fir tree points upward toward the heavens. Reminding us to reflect on everything God has given us and for the things to come.

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

We give gifts to loved ones in honor of the birth of Jesus, which inspired the concept of giving gifts during the holiday. According to the New Testament, the wise men brought gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh to the newborn.

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

The color red represents the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. Blue and white represent snow and winter. And green is for everlasting life.

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

 It is said that in Ancient Rome, wreaths were hung on doors to represent victory. In Christianity, we use the Christmas wreath to symbolize victory in Jesus Christ. The Christmas 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.

Tinsel was used to represent the starry sky over a Nativity scene.

The Candy Cane represents a "J" for the name Jesus, and the shape a shepherd's staff. 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 Jesus shed on the cross for our sins -His sacrifice. The white stands for the virgin birth, and the purity of Jesus, for He had no sin. The peppermint flavor can represent the hyssop plant that was used for purifying in the Bible. And hard candy to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Church, and firmness of the promises of God.

The Christmas pickle is a Christmas tradition for some people. A decoration in the shape of a pickle is hidden on a Christmas tree, with the finder receiving good fortune for the following year.

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