Get to know famous Christmas symbols and regional Christmas traditions

Christmas is a sacred and religious holiday recognized by many countries around the world. It is the birthday of Jesus Christ, therefore many Christmas nativity symbols we use in our home decorations today are in connection to the Christmas traditions derived from the old nativity story. If you have read the story, you should be very familiar with the Christmas symbols listed below. If otherwise, you can get to know Christmas traditions by picking up the origin of these Christmas symbols which are the important parts of the story and have now become widely favorite decorations around Christmas season.

Advent Wreath

Four candles placed on a wreath. One candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas in anticipation of Christ’s birthday.

Angel

An angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus. Angels come in many forms for Christmas decorations including the tree topper. 

Bells

Church bells rang to announce the birth of Jesus. They still ring today. 

Candles

Candles represent the light that Jesus brought to earth. Pagans who converted to Christianity used candles on the sacred evergreen tree. 

Christmas Cards

For many years, private notes of good tidings were sent at Christmas time. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole had 1000 special designed cards printed. The custom of sending Christmas cards began. 

Christmas Caroling

Caroling is a medieval custom of singing and dancing around a Christmas tree. Early carols weren’t holy enough for singing inside a church, so caroling was done outside. 

Christmas Cookies

Originated with pre-Christian Romans who gave sweet cakes to their senators. 

Christmas Seals

A Danish postal clerk sold Christmas stamps (Christmas seals) to show that users had given to a worthy cause. 

Christmas Stocking

There is a legend associated with the origin of Christmas stockings. St. Nick, who wanted to remain anonymous and help a poor family, threw gold coins down their chimney. They fell into a stocking that was hanging there to dry.

Christmas Tree Lights

The lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World." Lights also represent stars. Candles were first used as lights on the Christmas tree. 

Evergreen Tree

The evergreen tree was decorated by the pagans at the feast of the winter solstice. The evergreen tree was a sign that winter would end. 

Icicles

Icicles are sometimes used as a tree decoration. As per an old story, the Christ child took shelter for a night under a pine tree. When the tree realized that it was caring for Jesus, tears of happiness fell from its branches. The tears froze into icicles. 

Mistletoe

A sprig of evergreen plant hung at Christmas time. Custom is that people can kiss each other standing under it. 

Reindeer

Reindeer were the animals chosen by St. Nicholas to pull his sleigh. His reindeers’ names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is the most famous. 

Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas was a real person. He was a kind bishop who brought presents to children and needy people. 

Star

The Star of Bethlehem guided the Three Wisemen to Baby Jesus.

In today’s world, Christmas traditions are different by countries and regions. To get to know the unique Christmas celebrating traditions in other countries, you can sit back and watch the video series on Christmas traditions around the world.

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