Christmas is such a festival, which is celebrated
by each and every culture. The main significance of Christmas
celebration is to spread the message of love. So when we are
celebrating it worldwide we should also understand the symbols and
the significance of those symbols associated with the festival. All
the symbols have certain origins and association with the
celebration so we should understand it. According to the bible
angles are regarded with the birth of Christ. They symbolize divine
guidance and protection that Joseph and Mary had during the birth of
Christ and to symbolize that protection in our homes they are used
as a part of Christmas decoration. The star at top of the Christmas
tree symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and its significance in our
life is that it acts as a guide through the season and through the
year. Decorating the Christmas tree with candy canes is very
popular. It is said that the candy cane represents the shepherd's
crook at the nativity. According to the legends it is said that the
shepherds were the first to receive the news of the birth of Jesus
Christ and so the canes represented that honor also.
Exchanging of gifts and greetings were the traditions carried by
the Romans on the first day of January. After that also the
Christians continued this traditions and did it in the style of what
was called the New Year Cards. Christmas without carols cannot be
thought of. For carolers Christmas Eve is the time when they go
singing carols from house to house. Even in churches they are sung
along with the traditional hymns. Christmas trees are another such
symbol whose association with this festival cannot be denied. Holy
or Ilex which is associated with Christmas due to it's thorn which
resembles the crown of thorn that was placed on Christ's head at his
crucifixion. Laurel and yew are also used symbolizing triumph and
immortality respectively. Mistletoe and poinsettia plants are also
considered Christmas symbols because of their role in the
celebration of Christmas.
