Christmas Tree
A Christmas tree is an evergreen coniferous tree, traditionally decorated with edibles such as nuts, apples or dates.The concept of Christmas tree was first introduced by Germany long back in 16th century. It was the time when Christians brought adorned Christian tree to their homes. Wooden Christmas tree and evergreens bedecked the new looking homes. Candles are also used to give the homes a better and different look. Eventually, people of the other places of Europe also had started to follow the traditions and cultures related to the Christmas tree. Christmas tree looked even more fashionable and attractive when the husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, had bejeweled the first English tree at Windsor candle with candles, sweets, fruits and gingerbread in 1841. The tradition was followed by many English families later on. All kinds of extravagant items were used to decorate the tree and homes. According to Charles Dickens the Christmas trees were well covered and adorned with the fine looking dolls, miniature furniture, costume jewelry, little musical instruments, toy guns, swords, candy and fruits in 1850.
Christmas Ornaments
The tradition of Christmas trees and Christmas Ornaments is a much disputed one what with several theories about their origin doing the rounds for a long time. The most popular theory holds that the tradition was started by a monk who came to Germany in the 7th/8th century to preach. It is said that this monk was Saint Boniface, the Apostle of the Germans. According to history, the saint was the first one to bring a fir tree to the German people to decorate, for he believed that its triangular shape represented the Holy Trinity - God, his son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The tradition was lapped up by the devout Germans who started decorating the Christmas tree in a liturgical way with simple, white candles. This however, changed in the 15th century when ornaments began to be incorporated into the Christmas decorations in Germany. In Latvia, circa 1510, a fir tree was decorated with roses which were associated with the Virgin Mary. This event is often hailed as the pioneer of modern Christmas decorations.
The tradition of Christmas trees and Christmas Ornaments is a much disputed one what with several theories about their origin doing the rounds for a long time. The most popular theory holds that the tradition was started by a monk who came to Germany in the 7th/8th century to preach. It is said that this monk was Saint Boniface, the Apostle of the Germans. According to history, the saint was the first one to bring a fir tree to the German people to decorate, for he believed that its triangular shape represented the Holy Trinity - God, his son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The tradition was lapped up by the devout Germans who started decorating the Christmas tree in a liturgical way with simple, white candles. This however, changed in the 15th century when ornaments began to be incorporated into the Christmas decorations in Germany. In Latvia, circa 1510, a fir tree was decorated with roses which were associated with the Virgin Mary. This event is often hailed as the pioneer of modern Christmas decorations.
Santa Claus
The whole image of Santa Claus aroused from the famous Saint Nicolas. Many legends and miracles are attributed to Saint Nicholas, depicted as Santa Clause, a stout figured character wearing red coat and trouser. The transformation of Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus happened largely in America - with inspiration from the Dutch. Saint Nicolas, as a child was well known for his generosity.
St. Nicholas was a Bishop who lived in the fourth century AD in a place called Myra in Asia Minor (now called Turkey). He was a very rich man because his parents died when he was young and left him a lot of money. He was also a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. There are several legends about St. Nicholas, although we don't know if any of them are true!
The whole image of Santa Claus aroused from the famous Saint Nicolas. Many legends and miracles are attributed to Saint Nicholas, depicted as Santa Clause, a stout figured character wearing red coat and trouser. The transformation of Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus happened largely in America - with inspiration from the Dutch. Saint Nicolas, as a child was well known for his generosity.
St. Nicholas was a Bishop who lived in the fourth century AD in a place called Myra in Asia Minor (now called Turkey). He was a very rich man because his parents died when he was young and left him a lot of money. He was also a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. There are several legends about St. Nicholas, although we don't know if any of them are true!
Chimney Sweep
A chimney sweep is a worker who cleans ash and soot from chimneys. The chimney has been a part of family life since the early Romans first realized that it was better to live in a nice, fire-warmed home than in a chilly one. They needed a way to funnel off the smoke the fires caused. Soon they realised their fireplaces and their chimneys needed a cleaning as a house full of soot and fumes is unhealthy. Thus chimney sweeping developed into a necessary profession. People liked having the chimney sweep pay a visit, as he brought clean, fresh air back to the home. Chimney Sweeps thus became a sign of good health and prosperity. Thus they were regarded as the harbinger of good luck.
A chimney sweep is a worker who cleans ash and soot from chimneys. The chimney has been a part of family life since the early Romans first realized that it was better to live in a nice, fire-warmed home than in a chilly one. They needed a way to funnel off the smoke the fires caused. Soon they realised their fireplaces and their chimneys needed a cleaning as a house full of soot and fumes is unhealthy. Thus chimney sweeping developed into a necessary profession. People liked having the chimney sweep pay a visit, as he brought clean, fresh air back to the home. Chimney Sweeps thus became a sign of good health and prosperity. Thus they were regarded as the harbinger of good luck.
The Christmas Star
The Christmas Star represents the star of Bethlehem. The star appears in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew, where magi "from the east" are guided by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask him, where the king of the Jews had been born. Herod directs them to Bethlehem, a nearby village. The star leads them to Jesus's house in Bethlehem, where they pay him homage and give him gifts.
The Christmas Star represents the star of Bethlehem. The star appears in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew, where magi "from the east" are guided by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask him, where the king of the Jews had been born. Herod directs them to Bethlehem, a nearby village. The star leads them to Jesus's house in Bethlehem, where they pay him homage and give him gifts.
Christmas Elves
According to American folklore Christmas Elves are tiny, dwarf-like creatures, either male or female, with pointed ears. They are youthful but immortal and have magical powers. It is believed with Santa Claus in the North Pole and acts as his helper. The Elves was often believed to make toys in Santa Claus’s workshop and was often entrusted with duty of taking care of Santa’s reindeer.
Elves have a fascinating history that is associated with Germanic paganism. Elves are originally seen to be the creation of Germanic paganism who thought them to be the creatures of light who lived in the heavens. Elves have been depicted as male or female, tiny or dwarf-like, youthful and immortal with magical powers. Later they were often referred to as living underground, in forests, springs and wells.
By the mid-1800's the true purpose of the elves was revealed by the Scandinavians. Elves - already a tradition associated with story telling and magic, assumed a new significance in the mid-1800's and their true intention began to be held as nothing else but to help Father Christmas (Santa Claus). This was the handiwork of the popular Scandinavian writers of the day.
Some people say that Santa employs six elves, while others think that he has nine elf assistants. Others think that there are as many as 13 elves living with Santa to help him. Elves are the children of Gryla and Leppaludi and are very clever. They help Santa to design toys and process requests of children that are sent to them through snail mail or emails.
According to American folklore Christmas Elves are tiny, dwarf-like creatures, either male or female, with pointed ears. They are youthful but immortal and have magical powers. It is believed with Santa Claus in the North Pole and acts as his helper. The Elves was often believed to make toys in Santa Claus’s workshop and was often entrusted with duty of taking care of Santa’s reindeer.
Elves have a fascinating history that is associated with Germanic paganism. Elves are originally seen to be the creation of Germanic paganism who thought them to be the creatures of light who lived in the heavens. Elves have been depicted as male or female, tiny or dwarf-like, youthful and immortal with magical powers. Later they were often referred to as living underground, in forests, springs and wells.
By the mid-1800's the true purpose of the elves was revealed by the Scandinavians. Elves - already a tradition associated with story telling and magic, assumed a new significance in the mid-1800's and their true intention began to be held as nothing else but to help Father Christmas (Santa Claus). This was the handiwork of the popular Scandinavian writers of the day.
Some people say that Santa employs six elves, while others think that he has nine elf assistants. Others think that there are as many as 13 elves living with Santa to help him. Elves are the children of Gryla and Leppaludi and are very clever. They help Santa to design toys and process requests of children that are sent to them through snail mail or emails.
Holly Prickly
The plant with its shiny green prickly leaves and red berry has come to stand for peace and joy. People often settle arguments under a Holly tree. It is believed Holly frighten off witches and protect homes from thunder and lighting. There’s a pagan connotation attached to this tree, the Druids believed that Holly, with its evergreen look keeps the earth beautiful when the sacred oak lost it leaves. They used to wear twigs of Holly in their hair when they went into the forest to watch their priests, cut the sacred mistletoe.
The plant with its shiny green prickly leaves and red berry has come to stand for peace and joy. People often settle arguments under a Holly tree. It is believed Holly frighten off witches and protect homes from thunder and lighting. There’s a pagan connotation attached to this tree, the Druids believed that Holly, with its evergreen look keeps the earth beautiful when the sacred oak lost it leaves. They used to wear twigs of Holly in their hair when they went into the forest to watch their priests, cut the sacred mistletoe.
Jesus Birth
Some 2000 years ago a young lady, named Mary, about 15 years of age, was praying in her home. All of a sudden she saw a stranger standing before her. She did not know how he had come in. The visitor was brighter than the light of day, and Mary frightened. She understood that he was not a man but an angel, when he greeted her. The angel told her not to be afraid. Then he delivered her the message that she would bear a son to be called Jesus." He shall be great," said the angel.
Some 2000 years ago a young lady, named Mary, about 15 years of age, was praying in her home. All of a sudden she saw a stranger standing before her. She did not know how he had come in. The visitor was brighter than the light of day, and Mary frightened. She understood that he was not a man but an angel, when he greeted her. The angel told her not to be afraid. Then he delivered her the message that she would bear a son to be called Jesus." He shall be great," said the angel.
Glastonbury Thorn
Glastonbury Thorn legend is associated with Christ’s death as well as a celebration of his birth. As per the legend goes, soon after the death of Christ, Joseph of Arimathea came to Britain to preach about Christianity. While travelling he brought his staff along. Soon after a tiring nap, he noticed his staff have grown and fully blossomed. It is believed he left his staff there, from then onwards it flowered in every Christmas as well during spring.
Glastonbury Thorn legend is associated with Christ’s death as well as a celebration of his birth. As per the legend goes, soon after the death of Christ, Joseph of Arimathea came to Britain to preach about Christianity. While travelling he brought his staff along. Soon after a tiring nap, he noticed his staff have grown and fully blossomed. It is believed he left his staff there, from then onwards it flowered in every Christmas as well during spring.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is an evergreen partial parasitic plant, which grows on the branches of trees, where it forms pendent bushes, 2 to 5 feet in diameter. It sends out roots which penetrate into the tree and take up nutrients. Many mystical power is been associated with this plant.
Mistletoe is an evergreen partial parasitic plant, which grows on the branches of trees, where it forms pendent bushes, 2 to 5 feet in diameter. It sends out roots which penetrate into the tree and take up nutrients. Many mystical power is been associated with this plant.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a fictional animal with a glowing red nose. According to the famous folklore it is believed, this fictional animal used to drive Santa Claus’s carriage on the Christmas Eve, making his way through the snowy winter roads. The luminosity of his nose was so great, that it helped him show the way through the dark snowy streets.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a fictional animal with a glowing red nose. According to the famous folklore it is believed, this fictional animal used to drive Santa Claus’s carriage on the Christmas Eve, making his way through the snowy winter roads. The luminosity of his nose was so great, that it helped him show the way through the dark snowy streets.
The Poinsettia
The Poinsettia is a beautiful red, star shaped flower, favourite of United States. Some legends are associated with this flower, which make this flower even more divine. The legend comes from Mexico, where a poor little girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo, used to celebrate Christmas in their village. The two children were very kind hearted. They wished to distribute gifts in the manger scene set up. But they were heartbroken since they did not have enough money to buy gifts. So they picked up some weeds on their way, and presented them to their baby Jesus. Though they became an object of fun to every villager present, but to their astonishment, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals, and soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful star-like flowers and so we see them today.
The Poinsettia is a beautiful red, star shaped flower, favourite of United States. Some legends are associated with this flower, which make this flower even more divine. The legend comes from Mexico, where a poor little girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo, used to celebrate Christmas in their village. The two children were very kind hearted. They wished to distribute gifts in the manger scene set up. But they were heartbroken since they did not have enough money to buy gifts. So they picked up some weeds on their way, and presented them to their baby Jesus. Though they became an object of fun to every villager present, but to their astonishment, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals, and soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful star-like flowers and so we see them today.
The Tradition of Giving Gifts
The tradition of giving gifts in this season owes its origin to the Magi who came from the east of Jerusalem to greet Child Christ in the manger with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Magi were wise men and their gifts were emblematic of tribute, worship and death - of Christ considered as King, God and the sacrificial Victim. In America gift giving has come to be associated with the Christmas not long ago. It came in with the introduction of St. Nicholas in America by the early Dutch settlers. But, giving gifts at New Year was a common practice, especially among the English and the French settlers. But the combined German and Dutch influences in time caused all gift-giving to be carried out at Christmas.
The tradition of giving gifts in this season owes its origin to the Magi who came from the east of Jerusalem to greet Child Christ in the manger with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Magi were wise men and their gifts were emblematic of tribute, worship and death - of Christ considered as King, God and the sacrificial Victim. In America gift giving has come to be associated with the Christmas not long ago. It came in with the introduction of St. Nicholas in America by the early Dutch settlers. But, giving gifts at New Year was a common practice, especially among the English and the French settlers. But the combined German and Dutch influences in time caused all gift-giving to be carried out at Christmas.