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AChristmas decoration is any of several types of ornamentation used atChristmas and the greaterChristmas and holiday season. Typical images on Christmas decorations includeBaby Jesus,Mother Mary,angels,Father Christmas,Santa Claus, and thestar of Bethlehem.Advent wreaths,nativity scenes,illuminations, andMoravian stars are popular Christmas decorations.[1]
In many countries, such asSweden, people start to set up their Advent and Christmas decorations on thefirst day ofAdvent.[2]Liturgically, this is done in someparishes through aHanging of the Greens ceremony.[3] In theWestern Christian world, the two traditional days when Christmas decorations are removed areTwelfth Night and if they are not taken down on that day,Candlemas, the latter of which ends theChristmas-Epiphany season in somedenominations.[4] Taking down Christmas decorations before Twelfth Night, as well as leaving the decorations up beyond Candlemas, is historically considered to be inauspicious.[5]
The traditional colors of Christmas decorations are red, green, and gold.[6][7][8] Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus, which was shed in hiscrucifixion; green symbolizes eternal life, and in particular the evergreen tree, which does not lose its leaves in the winter; and gold is the first color associated with Christmas, as one of the three gifts of theMagi, symbolizing royalty.[6]
In the 2nd century, the "earliest church records" indicate that "Christians were remembering and celebrating the birth of the Lord", an "observance [that] sprang up organically from the authentic devotion of ordinary believers"; although "they did not agree upon a set date".[9]
Christmas decorations have been used as part of the festive nature of the holiday (Christmas) and season (Christmastide) celebrating theNativity of Jesus.[10] These includeangels,bells,candy canes,Christmas trees, doves,holly,nativity scenes,poinsettias, theStar of Bethlehem, andwreaths.[10][11] The use of each of these decorations has its ownChristian symbolism and history.[10][11] For example,church bells are rung in order to celebrate feasts, such as Christmas,Easter,Ascension Day andPentecost; with respect to Christmas, the use of bells as decorations symbolize the "proclamation of joy that angels sent to the people when Christ was born."[10][11]
TheAdvent wreath, which is used to mark the four weeks prior to Christmas and the arrival of Christmas, originated among the Lutherans of Germany in the 16th century.[12][13] TheChristingle, often lit during Christmaschurch services, was invented byMoravians in 19th century Britain.[14]
Nativity plays were first enacted by Catholic monks in 11th century Italy.[15] Nativity scenes have been the center of theChristmas putz, a tradition of theMoravian Church that is "built to tell the Good News of the coming of the Christ Child" and "is the Gospel in miniature from Isaiah’s prophecy and Mary’s annunciation to the visit of the wisemen and the flight into Egypt."[1][16] For Moravian Christians, the nativity scene serves to celebrate "the story of the wonder of Christ’s birth so that the Son of God can be welcomed into the hearts of the home at the Christmas."[1][16]
Light is associated with Christmas as Christians teach that the Nativity of Jesus signifies that "light has come into the world".[10] The father of Lutheran Christianity,Martin Luther, is often credited with adorning a Christmas tree with candles in the 16th century.[17] In the 1800s, candleholders were used to fasten candles on the trees.[17] It was not until 1924 that Christmas lights became affordable and entered households.[10]
In the 1840s, the use of a decoration symbolizing theStar of Bethlehem became popular at the highest point of the Christmas tree.[18]
TheChristmas tree was first used by German Lutherans in the 16th century, with records indicating that a Christmas tree was placed in theCathedral of Strassburg in 1539, under the leadership of theProtestant Reformer,Martin Bucer.[19][20] In the United States, these "German Lutherans brought the decorated Christmas tree with them; theMoravians put lighted candles on those trees."[21][22] Whendecorating the Christmas tree, many individuals place a star at the top of the tree symbolizing theStar of Bethlehem, a fact recorded byThe School Journal in 1897.[23][24] Professor David Albert Jones ofOxford University writes that in the 19th century, it became popular for people also to use an angel to top the Christmas tree to symbolize the angels mentioned in the accounts of theNativity of Jesus.[25] In discussions of folklore, some claim that the Christmas tree is a Christianization ofpagan tradition and ritual surrounding thewinter solstice, which included the use ofevergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagantree worship;[26] according to eighth-century biographerÆddi Stephanus,Saint Boniface (634–709), who was a missionary in Germany, took an axe to an oak tree dedicated toThor and pointed out afir tree, which he stated was a more fitting object of reverence because it pointed toheaven; it had a triangular shape, which he said was symbolic of theTrinity.[27] However, the English-language phrase "Christmas tree" is first recorded in 1835[28] and represents an importation from the German language.[29] From Germany the custom was introduced to England via two German-born royal consorts,Queen Charlotte andPrince Albert. The influential 1840s image ofQueen Victoria'sdecorated evergreen was republished in the United States. As the first widely circulated picture of a decorated Christmas tree in America, the custom there spread.[30] Christmas trees may be decorated withlights andornaments.Mount Ingino Christmas Tree inGubbio inItaly is the tallest Christmas tree in the world.[31]
Figural glassChristmas ornaments originated in the small town ofLauscha,Germany in the latter half of the 19th century.[32] The town had long produced fine glassware. The production of Christmas ornaments became a family affair for many people. Some families invested 16 hours a day in production. For some, it was their sole source of income.
Sometimes, competitions were held. Prizes were awarded to the family, producing the finest examples. Santa Clauses, angels, birds, animals, and other traditionalYuletide subjects were favorites.
F.W. Woolworth discovered these glass ornaments on a toy and doll-buying trip toSonnenburg, Germany, in the 1890s. He sold them in his "five and ten cent" stores in America. The ornaments were said to have contributed to Woolworth's business success.[33]
For the American market, figures depicting comic book characters and patriotic subjects such as Uncle Sams, eagles, and flags were blown. Glassblowers have held on to the old molds. Glass ornaments are still created from these old molds.
A clear glass tube is heated over an open flame. It is then inserted into a mold. The glassblower then blows into the end of the tube. The glass expands to fill the mold. The glass takes on the shape of the mold. It is cooled. A silver nitrate solution is swirled about inside the ornament. This gives the ornament a silver glow. The outside of the ornament is painted or decorated with metal trims, paper clippings, etc.[32]
Cotton batting Christmas ornaments were popular during the German Christmas toy and decoration boom at the turn of the century. They were exported in large numbers to the United States. These decorations suggested puffs of snow. Fruits and vegetables were popular subjects and often had a realistic appearance. African-American and patriotic characters were fashioned for the American market. Some ornaments were used to hide boxes ofcandy.
Assembling these decorations was a cottage industry. Cotton batting was wound around a wire frame resembling a human or animal. A face was painted, or a lithograph cut-out was affixed to the batting. Figures were given crepe paper costumes. Some were touched with glue and sprinkled with mica flakes for a glittering appearance.[34]
Dresdens are three-dimensional ornaments. They are made of paper, card, or cardboard. Dresdens were produced mostly inDresden andLeipzig, Germany, from the 1860s toWWI. They were originally priced between 1 and 60 cents. Subjects included animals and birds, suns and moons, humans, carriages and ships, etc. Some Dresdens were flat, allowing the buyer to collect them in scrapbooks.
Positive and negative molds were set into a press. A moistened sheet of card was put into the press. The images were pressed. When they had dried, they were sent to cottage workers for the finishing touches. This involved separating the form-halves from the card, trimming ragged edges, and gluing the two halves together. The form was then gilded, silvered, or hand-painted. Sometimes, a small gift or sweet was put into the form. Forms were usually no larger than five inches.[35][36]
Nativity scenes are known from 10th-century Rome. The first living nativity scene, attributed toSaint Francis of Assisi, occurred in 1223 in the Italian town ofGreccio, quickly spreading across Europe.[37] Different types of decorations developed across the Christian world, dependent on local tradition and available resources, and can vary from simple representations of the crib to far more elaborate sets – renowned manger scene traditions include the colourfulKraków szopka in Poland,[38] which imitateKraków's historical buildings as settings, the elaborate Italianpresepi (Neapolitan[it],Genoese[it] andBolognese[it]),[39][40][41][42] or theProvençal crèches insouthern France, using hand-painted terracotta figurines calledsantons.[43] In Malta, light-deprived vetches (ġulbiena) are placed next to the statue of the baby Jesus in the manger and static nativity scenes adorning houses and churches.[44][45][46][47]
In certain parts of the world, notablySicily, living nativity scenes following the tradition of Saint Francis are a popular alternative to static crèches.[48][49][50] The first commercially produced decorations appeared in Germany in the 1860s, inspired by paper chains made by children.[51] In countries where a representation of theNativity scene is very popular, people are encouraged to compete and create the most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable familyheirloom.[52]
Popular Christmas plants includeholly,mistletoe,ivy and Christmas trees. The interior of a home may be decorated with these plants, along withgarlands andevergreen foliage. These often come with small ornaments tied to the delicate branches and sometimes with a small light set.
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Wreaths are made from real or artificialconifer branches, or sometimes otherbroadleaf evergreens orholly. Several types of evergreen or evendeciduousbranches may be used in the same wreath, along withpinecones and sprays ofberries, andChristmas ornaments includingjingle bells. A bow is usually used at the top or bottom, and an electric or unlit candle may be placed in the middle. Christmas lights are often used, and they may be hung from doors or windows, and sometimes walls, lampposts, light fixtures, or even statuary.
From the 17th century, friars of the Franciscan Christianreligious order in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations.[53] The star-shaped leaf pattern of thepoinsettia is said to symbolize theStar of Bethlehem, the red color represents the blood shed during the sacrifice ofJesus' crucifixion, and the white leaves represent the purity of Jesus.[54]
Taking down Christmas decorations beforeTwelfth Night/Epiphany Eve (January 5), as well as leaving the decorations up beyondCandlemas (February 2), is historically considered to be inauspicious.[5] For example, in some parts of England, people believed that if Christmas greenery were thrown away instead of being burned, a ghost would appear, but in other parts, they believed that if the greenery were burned instead of being thrown away, a family member would die.[55]
InNorth andSouth America, Australia, and Europe, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminatedsleighs,snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Municipalities often sponsor decorations as well. Christmas banners may be hung fromstreet lights and Christmas trees placed in thetown square.[56]
In theWestern world, rolls of brightly colored paper with secular or religious Christmas/winter/Hanukkah motifs are manufactured forgiftwrappingpresents. The display ofChristmas villages has also become a tradition in many homes this season. Other traditional decorations includebells,reindeer,candles,candy canes,garland,stockings,wreaths,snow globes, andangels.Snow sheets are made specifically for simulatingsnow under a tree or village.
In many countries, a representation of theNativity scene is prevalent, and people are encouraged to compete and create the most original or realistic ones. Within some families, the pieces used to make the representation are considered a valuable familyheirloom. Somechurches also perform a live Nativity withvolunteers and even liveanimals.
Among the most popular items of Christmas decorations are stockings. According to legend,Saint Nicholas would creep in through the chimney and slip gold into stockings hanging by the fireplace. Various forms of stockings are available, from simple velvet ones to sock-shaped bags to animated ones.
Christmas decorations are typically put up in late November or early December, usually to coincide with the start ofAdvent. In the UK, Christmas lights on the high street are generally switched on in November.[57] In the US, the traditional start of the holiday season isThanksgiving.[citation needed] Major retailers put their seasonal decorations out for sale after back-to-school sales, while smaller niche Christmas Stores sell Christmas decorations year round.[citation needed]
In some places, Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down onTwelfth Night, the evening of January 5 or January 6. The difference in this date is that some count Christmas Day as the first day of Christmas, whereas for others, Christmas Day is a feast day in its own right, and the first full day of the Christmas Season is December 26. InHispanic and other cultures, this is more likeChristmas Eve, as theThree Wise Men bring gifts that night. Therefore, decorations are left up longer.[citation needed] The same is true[citation needed] inEastern Churches which often observe Christmas according to theJulian Calendar, thus making it fall 13 days later.
In England, it was customary to burn the decorations in the hearth. However, this tradition has fallen out of favour as reusable and imperishable decorations made ofplastics,wood,glass andmetal became more popular. If aYule log has been kept alight since Christmas Day, it is put out, and the ashes are kept to be included in the fire on the following Christmas Day.[58] A superstition exists which suggests that if decorations are kept up after Twelfth Night, they must be kept up until the following Twelfth Night, but also that if the decorations for the current Christmas are taken down before the New Year begins, bad luck shall befall the house for a whole year.[citation needed]
In theUnited States, many stores immediately remove decorations the day after Christmas, as some think of the holiday season as being over once Christmas has passed.[citation needed] A vast majority of Americans who put up home decorations keep them out and lit until at least New Year's Day, and inside decorations can often be seen in windows for several weeks afterward.
Advent – The four weeks before Christmas are celebrated by counting down the days with an advent calendar, hanging up Christmas decorations and lightning an additional candle every Sunday on the four-candle advent wreath.
Another popular activity is the "Hanging of the Greens," a service in which the sanctuary is decorated for Christmas.
Any Christmas decorations not taken down by Twelfth Night (January 5th) should be left up until Candlemas Day and then taken down.
According to the tradition of the 12 days of Christmas (explained above), January 6 is the earliest you should be taking down your Christmas tree. According to the legend, bad luck will befall those who stop the Christmas cheer any earlier.
It is believed that the European advent wreath began as a Lutheran innovation in the sixteenth century.
Probably the most popular tradition today is the lighting of candles on an Advent Wreath in both churches and homes. This custom originated among Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century and quickly became popular in other areas.
A candle-related custom called Christingle appeared sometime in the nineteenth century in British Moravian services.
The eight-pointed star became a popular manufactured Christmas ornament around the 1840s and many people place a star on the top of their Christmas tree to represent the Star of Bethlehem.
The Christmas tree as we know it seemed to emerge in Lutheran lands in Germany in the sixteenth century. Although no specific city or town has been identified as the first to have a Christmas tree, records for the Cathedral of Strassburg indicate that a Christmas tree was set up in that church in 1539 during Martin Bucer's superintendency.
The Christmas tree became a widespread custom among German Lutherans by the eighteenth century.
German Lutherans brought the decorated Christmas tree with them; the Moravians put lighted candles on those trees.
Many Lutherans continued to set up a small fir tree as their Christmas tree, and it must have been a seasonal sight in Bach's Leipzig at a time when it was virtually unknown in England, and little known in those farmlands of North America where Lutheran immigrants congregated.
The eight-pointed star became a popular manufactured Christmas ornament around the 1840s and many people place a star on the top of their Christmas tree to represent the Star of Bethlehem.
Christmas is the occasional of family reunions. Grandmother always has the place of honor. As the time approaches for enjoying the tree, she gathers her grandchildren about her, to tell them the story of the Christ child, with the meaning of the Christ child, with the meaning of the Christmas tree; how the evergreen is meant to represent the life everlasting, the candle lights to recall the light of the world, and the star at the top of the tree is to remind them of the star of Bethlehem.
The same ambiguity is seen in that most familiar of angels, the angel on top of the Christmas tree. This decoration, popularized in the nineteenth century, recalls the place of the angels in the Christmas story (Luke 2.9–18).
His biographer, Eddius Stephanus, relates that while Boniface was serving as a missionary near Geismar, Germany, he had enough of the locals' reverence for the old gods. Taking an axe to an oak tree dedicated to Norse god Thor, Boniface chopped the tree down and dared Thor to zap him for it. When nothing happened, Boniface pointed out a young fir tree amid the roots of the oak and explained how this tree was a more fitting object of reverence as it pointed towards the Christian heaven and its triangular shape was reminiscent of the Christian trinity.
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