Which is the correct definition of the holiday Christmas?
Christ·mas | \\ ˈkris-məs \\. 1 : a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday. 2 : christmastide.
What are the symbols of the Christmas season?
20 Symbols of Christmas: The History & Meaning of Traditional Christmas Decorations. 1 1. Advent Candles. Advent candles were originally part of the holiday wreath tradition, and the two combined as part of a long-standing Catholic 2 2. Angel Tree Toppers. 3 3. Boughs of Holly. 4 4. Christmas Bells. 5 5. Christmas Candy Canes.
How did Holly become a symbol of Christmas?
Romans connected holly with Saturn (their god of agriculture and harvest) and hung boughs of it for Saturnalia, the Pagan festival that many historians say ultimately became Christmas. Christians adopted the symbol many years later, assigning it a new meaning.
What does a candle mean on a Christmas tree?
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.
Where did the tradition of hanging candy on the Christmas tree originate?
When the Christmas tree was adopted in Germany in the 1600s, along with it came the tradition of hanging sweets on the tree. Included in the original sweets was a popular candy called a sugar stick. This traditional Christmas candy was straight and completely white.
What do the symbols of Christmas stand for?
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. The wreath is a circular, never-ending symbol of eternal love and rebirth.
How are Christmas traditions different around the world?
Yet Christmas legends and Christmas traditions around the world vary drastically, with each culture adopting their own customs, their own holiday folklore, and their own Christmas dishes. This in no way diminishes the religious implications for those who observe the holiday for those reasons.