Christmas symbols 2 (apples4theteacher)

Below are symbols of Christmas and their significance.

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.

Creche A manger scene representing the Jesus' place of birth.

Donkeys, Lambs, and Cows Donkeys, lambs, and cows were animals close to Jesus at the time of his birth. They are usually part of the Creche.

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.

Gifts The first Christmas gifts were given by the Wisemen to Baby Jesus.

Holly Holly is a shrub with spiny leaves and red berries. The leaves remain green throughout the year. Pagans thought its greenness was a promise that the sun would return. Early French and English families hung holly over their doors to symbolize a home in which Christ's birth is celebrated.

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.