PHOTOS

Christmas 2021: 10 things you did not know about the festival

The holiday season is a gala time everyone looks forward to. With the month of December starts the enthusiasm for the holidays and for Christmas!

However with time as people develop modern ways to celebrate, they tend to forget the actual reason why the festival is celebrated and the significance of traditional symbols.

Let's look at the symbolism and significance of various Christmas symbols people use to adorn their houses:

Arushi Mohindra|

Updated:Dec 23, 2021, 09:15 AM IST

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Star

The bright, golden star that often goes on top of the Christmas tree symbolises the star of Bethlehem that guided the three kings to the place of birth of Lord Jesus.

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Red colour

The colour red symbolises the blood of Lord Jesus that was shed when he died on the cross. It is represented through Santa's red attire, cherries and other red ornaments.

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Candy canes

These are more than just a treat for the kids. The candy canes symbolise the shepherd's hook, crook. The white colour symbolises purity while the red stands for Lord Jesus' blood.

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Mistletoe

This plant is seen as a symbol of fertility and love, giving rise to the custom of kissing under the mistletoe.

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Green colour

The colour green symbolises the presence of life amid the white winters when Lord Jesus was born. It is represented through the holly leaves, evergreen Christmas tree, etc.

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Gifts

The gifts hung on the christmas tree and the tradition of giving and receiving gifts comes from history. It symbolises the gifts the three wise men carried for baby Jesus when he was born.

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Holly leaves and cherry

The thorny holly leaves remind the people of the crown of thorns worn by Lord Jesus when he was crucified and the berries represent his blood.

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Bells

It was believed that ringing bells drove out evil spirits and they were also rung to make important announcements. On Christmas day, the symbolic bells remind people of the time actual bells were rung to announce the birth of Lord Jesus.

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Christmas stockings

According to a legend, Saint Nicholas put gold into the stockings hung by the fireplace to dry in a poor man's house who was in need of money but refused to accept charity. Hence starting the tradition of gifts in stockings on Christmas.

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Wreath

The round wreath represents the never-ending, unbroken circle of God's eternal love and also symbolises rebirth and the salvation Lord Jesus brought to the world.