Christmas Symbols
Their History &
Their Meaning
Christmas Tree
• Evergreen trees have been a
symbol since pagan times in
England and France that
winter would come to an end.
• The first decorations used
were candles, apples, paper
roses, candy, and cookies.
• A star on the top represents
the Bethlehem star when
Jesus was born.
Candy Cane
• The first candy canes
were a solid white
color and straight.
• The earliest crooked
candy canes appeared
in Germany in 1670.
• Striped candy canes
weren’t made until
after 1900.
Candles
• Candles
represent light—
to light the way
for others.
• They were first
used as lights on
the Christmas
tree.
Poinsettia
• The first U.S.
ambassador to Mexico
brought this flower to
the U.S. in 1825. His
name was Dr. J. R.
Poinsett.
• They are associated
with Christmas
because of a Mexican
legend.
Bells
• Bells are rung to
make announcements
or for celebrations.
• The first bells were
made in China.
• Some people wear
clothing with little
bells attached to
them.
Santa Claus
• In Holland, Dutch children
believed Sinter Klaas would
fill their wooden shoes
with candy and treats.
• When many Dutch people
settled in America, Sinter
Klaas became Santa Clause,
someone who brings toys
and treats to children who
have been good all year.
Angels
• Angels are a
traditional part
of most
religions.
• Some people like
to decorate
their homes and
trees with
angels.
Nutcrackers
• Nutcrackers can be
used as a tool to
open or crack nuts.
• Wooden figures
became popular in
the 16th century in
Europe.
• The soldier figure
is the most popular
figure.
Carols
• Caroling began in
medieval times when
people would sing and
dance. Early carols
weren’t considered holy
enough to sing inside a
church and so people
sung outside.
• Music is a special part
of the Christmas
season around the
world.
Stockings
• These are associated
with Sinter Klaas, who
wanted to remain
anonymous and help a
poor family. He threw
gold coins down their
chimney and they fell
into a stocking that
was hanging their to
dry.
Christmas Cards
• Cards are used to send
notes of good wishes.
• The custom of sending
Christmas cards began
in 1843 in England.
• The British post office
used to deliver cards
on Christmas morning.
Mistletoe
• Mistletoe remains
green throughout
the year.
• It is a custom to
hang a piece of it in
a doorway and
people can kiss each
other while standing
under the mistletoe.
Food
• The tradition of
cookies began in Roman
times when people gave
sweet cakes to their
senators.
• Gingerbread houses
have been made since
the 1300’s.
• Hot wassail is a popular
drink at Christmas.
St. Nicholas
• St. Nicholas was
a real person.
• He was a kind
bishop who
brought
presents to
children and
needy people.
Wreath
• In ancient Rome,
wreaths were
used as signs of
victory.
• There are two
kinds of holiday
wreaths—the
advent wreath
and decorative
wreath.
Holly
• Holly is a spiny-leafed
shrub with red berries
that remains green
throughout the year.
• Since pagan times it has
been a symbol that winter
would end.
• French and English
families hung holly over
their doors to symbolize
that their family
celebrated Christ’s birth.
Lights
• Lights
represent
Jesus as the
“Light of the
World.”
• Lights also
represent
twinkling stars.
Gifts
• Gifts were
brought to the
baby Jesus by
the wise men.
• It has become
a tradition to
give gifts as
Christmas.
Nativity
• The nativity
represents the
birth of Jesus.
Animals are usually
part of a nativity
scene.
• The scene was first
created in 1224 by
St. Francis in Italy.
Sources
• http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/c
hristmas/christmas-symbols/index.html
• http://z.about.com/d/homeschooling/
• Let’s Celebrate Christmas by Peter and
Connie Roop
• Holly, Reindeer, and Colored Lights: The
Story of the Christmas Symbols by Edna
Barth