Christmas lights and decorations are generally beautiful and fill the season with a holiday spirit. Some Christmas lights and decorations actually have a rich history in traditions though many people don’t know a thing about the history behind the Christmas lights and decorations.
Discovery of traditions for Christmas lights and decorations…
The tradition of using Christmas lights and decorations to decorate trees is attributed to the Germans who are believed to be among the first to bring trees into their homes and decorate them.
Before the invention of electricity, candles were used as Christmas lights and decorations for Christmas trees. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that electric Christmas lights were made.
To compliment the Christmas lights and decorations, Christmas trees are often topped with a star or an angel. This is a Christian tradition that signifies the star of Bethlehem or the angel that appeared to the shepherds to tell them about the birth of Jesus. This tradition developed from the gospels of Matthew and Luke that tell about the birth of Christ.
Nativity scenes, replicas of the manger where Christ was born, are common Christmas decorations. Like many other Christmas lights and decorations manger scenes are intended to celebrate and commemorate the birth of Christ.
The origin of Christmas candles is not really known, though in Germany candles were used for Christmas lights and decorations on Christmas trees. Lighting candles was also a part of Winter Solstice celebrations throughout Europe.
In Canada candelabras with candles being lit in memory of loved ones who have passed on and in memory of Christ is a tradition.
Fun Fact: Many people think that Hanukah the name of a Jewish Christmas celebration. While Christmas lights and decorations and other traditions are similar to those used for Hanukah, Hanukah is actually a celebration of the Feast of Dedication, also called the Feast of Lights, which is a Jewish celebration of victory over occupation and the rededication of their Temple. Hanukah and Christmas differ greatly in their meaning as Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth.
Christmas lights and decorations used traditionally often have significance although their meaning from culture to culture may vary. For instance, in Ireland it is a tradition to place a large candle in the window of a home. The candle is lit on Christmas Eve and it symbolizes that Mary and Joseph would be welcomed into the home. This tradition recognizes Mary and Joseph’s struggle to find lodging in Bethlehem when Christ was born which resulted in the savior being born in a stable.
These are just a few of the stories behind traditions. If you look into the significance of various Christmas lights and decorations you will truly be amazed at everything you learn about different cultures, their practices and their beliefs.
