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1961 Symbols of Christmas Kay Nelson
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Recommended Citation Nelson, Kay, "Symbols of Christmas" (1961). SDSU Extension Circulars. 602. http://openprairie.sdstate.edu/extension_circ/602
This Circular is brought to you for free and open access by the SDSU Extension at Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in SDSU Extension Circulars by an authorized administrator of Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE SOUTH DAKOTA ST ATE COLLEGE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Presents ______::~= ~ 10 Saint Nicholas --·--- 10
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,,... . , r I • .. '-: • ·..i. • r . .,I., j I,,~.,·:' l /·. -Christmas . .. 1;, . I•' .. ' . r .... i ; t ' 1 :) ·., ·, l t •~ ~, ... I~ 't, 'l'I •, ., ,, , •• t /• I -.-·· . ,, .. '' KAY SHARP NELSON, Associate Extension Specialist 'I C ,
How many of us in the hurry and derive from a word meaning news. hubbub of the holiday season steal In either case, the reference is to I a few silent moments to consider the birthday of Christ or to news of "from whence comes Christmas"? that momentous event. We see Christmas decorations all People, when happy, express around us in our home and com- themselves in many ways. Tradi- munity, and possibly we shared in tions, customs, and symbols of putting them there. What does all Christmas have come to America this mean? Where did these from almost as many lands as we symbols of Christmas originate? have peoples, brought here by our ., I,." .I, ... ,,..•"' Celebration of Christmas has two forefathers and observed, with only l ;,f: .. ,-:,-,., familiar and important aspects. Its slight modification, down through real significance is religious, a festi- the years. val kept with reverence by people of many faiths. It is also a time for joyous celebration of the birthday of ·the Prince of Peace. This is ex- pressed through feelings of good will, family gatherings; all people become young at heart and see through the eyes of children at this time of year. that the Christian symbolism of The religious symbols are many, the lighted candle has come. Dur- and most generally used because of ing the Middle Ages, a large can- the great religious significance of dle lit on Christmas Eve at church Christmas. To Christian people, the service and also at home, served birth of Christ is the most signi- as a reminder of the Star of Beth- ficant event in the history of the lehem. The candle, as the prime world. source of light in those times, was also the oldest of symbols and rep- The Creche, or Nativity Scene, ... t. .,.. resented Christ in all His glory- ,; depicting Joseph and Mary watch- -. - ...... the light of the World. Thus can- """'·/· • ..... r • ing over Baby Jesus in the manger, ~~-; '.-:~; dles were lighted with ceremony 1< ••.. '. :, (.' is truly the original symbol for all ... J...... ' on Christmas Eve with all mem- others. ("Creche" comes from the bers of the family participating, or French, meaning manger, crib, or cradle.) Frequently the Nativity at church as a vital part to the Scene includes the shepherds and church service. the Wise Men from the East, all The lights eventually were trans- in the attitude of worship. ferred to the Christmas tree, which During the Midde Ages there had such a deep meaning. How- were only a few books and only a ever, the danger element when few people could read them. The lighted made it necessary for them church ceremonies were conducted to be lighted for only a brief time. in Latin. Th se facts worried St. The meaning of the candles at the Francis of Assisi. In 1224 in a cave Yuletide season, and the effect on on the hill at the little town of the Christmas tree, eventually led Greccio, Italy, he presented, to the use of the electric lights as through pantomime, the story of we have them today. the coming of the Savior in a way The story is told about a Swed- that all could understand the true ish soldier of World War II, who meaning of Christmas at Bethle- had received a Christmas candle hem. This unusual way of teaching from his mother and lighted it in the sacred story has become an im- his lonely barracks on Christmas portant part of Christmas through- Eve, as was the custom he had out the world, whether in panto- known at home. In his book mime, picture, or as a special part "Swedish Christmas," Gunnar Ed- of Christmas decorations in the man has expressed its meaning home. vividly: "The flame-the most un- It is from the ancient Hebrew iversal of all symbols-bums and festival called the "Feast of Lights" illuminates by offering itself." ..
Symbols of Christmas 5
An old Irish custom of placing Figures of the Wise Men and the ,~i lighted candles in the windows of Shepherds are frequently shown in t,• •. t' tr,. ':..\'-: homes on Christmas Eve has been the Nativity Scene, on greeting • ,'f" .. ~· 1,~.; growing in popularity in America. cards, as figures of decoration, or .. J_ ,1 ..... I~ ,fJ Our lighted candles are usually as cookies. One of the most interest- ...... electrically powered, and often sur- ing facts is the direct contrast as ·~ rounded by wreaths, but the mean- to their appearance, backgrounds, .,.,. ing is the same-to light the Holy and types of gifts for the Christ ·. 'f- Family's way to the door. The Child. It made no difference that •r candles denote a house wherein the Wise Men, wearing elegant, . ·..,. I• the Holy Family would have been rich clothes of royalty, riding their I ' welcome, not turned away as they camels, and carrying gifts of gold, ,..}t were from the inns of Bethlehem. frankincense, and myrrh, met at the manger with the weary shepherds. The angel represents the mes- Clad in their dusty, home-woven, ' , . I . sengers of God, who appeared be- common garb, the shepherds had •,u fore the shepherds "abiding in t~e little to give but the desire to "make field keeping watch over their known abroad the saying which flocks by night," and told them of was told them concerning this the birth of the Christ Child. They Child." .. are considered guardians of pro- ... ,..;! • ,../ ... -~' ·( - " tection and frequently shown in The peppermint stick candy cane - , the Christmas story. is a replica of the shepherd's staff ..,. '.· that had a curved upper end in the The Christmas star, or "Star of form of a hook, which was used by Bethlehem," is a favorite Yuletide the shepherds while tending their symbol. This star "in the East" sheep in the pasture. One likes to guided the Wise Men to where the think of these staffs as giving sup- Christ Child lay. Its symbol reflects port to those shepherds of the field the . glory of the meaning of as they tread over Bethlehem's hills · Christmas. It radiates the hope for to follow the Star. peace and good will. Stars are Bells belong to -che most prim- frequently given the place of honor itive type of musical instruments. at the top of the Christmas tree, In one. form or another they have and in the center of table decora- been associated with human life in ,• ,•r~~~ tions. Lights are often associated almost every age. Long before the :; .J..4 with the star by use of silver paper, birth of Christ, hand bells had been ... ~. ..-:. a star background for light, or star- used. Medieval folk revered and ...... t - ., ..... shaped candleholders. heeded the voice of their bells.
' : f.i • - • v.. . -, i ' f . ·~· . /_ 1-4 • • I - -, •>, 4 I .,. • • • ,._ "'- .t. ' • • - •• , • , "r,, \ V? l • -.,. • , l'' ~1t,~ .;,;., 7,~•t:>(,.J'A,7'.,·\ I ·;.... • :)'~'1 • •,, •• , • . ,r-. ·,1-.._' ,,. • · 'l . , ... .,...... ,,,. -;JI~"'-,~·· •. .. 't,( --- l , • • /' ... , • It' #. ,,,. • .. • •• ·, 1 ' j, •••1-"t 1: ,,. l..'! •. " . ' . "'. ' I I ,' j • ... ,:,..: -:.t ', I ·~t.:•:,• • '- ',,',: •~, . ,· ".. 'l ,•: • • • f "' I ,·.1:', I I'',: ,. '\.\ ¼ i' .1 -· ../"i" • 1 " 'I 4"'\ I•·- . -"" • 1 J ':! ' l ' .,:~ ~¥ 1, "''"~t . 4•'. :·t·7' ' . ~.>~,. ~,,...... ·: ,,·J-~.·. ; · , • , l, -'. 6 .: ' · • South Dakota Extension Service Circular 611 ,ri , r• ... ,. • I ' . As early as 400 A.D. in Cam- The Cross, as the instrument of pania, Italy, it is believed that bells Christ's death, is an emblem of were used by Christians on Christianity, and thus reminds one churches. The meaningful tones fell of great trial and tribulation. This upon human ears for occasions both was an instrument on which male- factors were anciently put to sad and glad. It was mainly by their death. However, the symbol of the association with festivals, and cross developed new meaning after above all with Christmas as they the Crucifixion. As the emblem of told the story of the angels, that the Christian religion, it was used bells became dear to the hearts of for monuments, churches, homes, ,. Christian mankind. r , ... and, as today, expressed a form of devotion. Bells at Yuletide have inspired The church and its belfry, the al- poets in various countries to write tar, and choir boys are also religious poems that have become carols, symbols of Christmas because the s u c h as "I Heard the Bells on Christmas story is the basic root of Christmas Day," "Ring Out, 0 the Christian church and all that it Bells, Your Joyful Sound," "Glad means to the Christian people . . ; Christmas Bells," "Hark! the Her- Many Christmas activities are cen- .. , ..,··., ··1..l ..,, •. ,1, .• ald Angels Sing," "Angels Singing, tered around the church. Often the •• rt Christmas trees have miniature :... ·~ Church Bells Ringing," and many others. churches tucked in their boughs. Church scenes may decorate an Today we are constantly re- area in the home. Greeting cards minded of the close association of very often quote from the Bible bells and Christmas as they are with pictures emphasizing the used in decorations of every kind church and its association with the from bright community trimmings Christmas story. to the Christmas tree and to cook- ies on the table. SYMBOLS OF THE GREENS The bells of great American The most popular and beloved churches, or of European cathe- symbol of our most festive season drals, can be heard by means of is the Christmas tree. There are radio and television today. This several legends as to the origin of adds revived interest and inspir- this emblem of Christmas. Primitive ation to the meaning of bells at tribes revered nature and believed that everything had life. Trees were Christmas time. It is felt today, as brought into their homes, not for in the past, that the bells ring out decoration, but to bring the world their joyous messages of good will of nature indoors. Egyptians took and cheer and tend to unite the green date palms, significant of life of their community against the "life triumphant over death," in- past year's discords. doors. ." .. ' '~-,,:-:,:,1·•,•·t.,-· ?.' :'~,;-•• ),
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... ' I, ~.-·,... : 'I 1 ... ' -r,'} ' t • Symbols of Christmas '• I • "'I 7 ·,...... ' · In Northern Europe, the ancient early German settlers brought to .~ 4 Druids honored their chief god, America many of the old cookie Odin, by tying fruit to tree branches, molds, made of wood and tin, as .. such as gilded apples, as grat- treasured heirlooms. . r' ~;,,•> itude for their different kinds of Martin Luther is also given credit .. ' - fruits. When these pagans accepted for the first Christmas tree. As the .,
Christianity, they continued their legend goes, Luther, while walking \ \ winter rites but changed them to in a German forest one Chrishnas honor Christ. An English mission- eve, was suddenly aware of the beauty of the star-studded sky ary, Winfried, had told these people twinkling through the branches of '. the story of Christ's coming to earth the evergreens. The sight so ap- .. at Bethlehem. He begged them not pealed to him that he rushed home to worship their heathen gods any and, in an attempt to duplicate the . J. longer. One day, surrounded by a scene placed candles in the branch- group of his converts, he struck es of a small pine tree to simulate down a huge oak b·ee, which, in t~e starlight in hopes it could make Druid religion was an object of wor- Christmas mean more to his little ship. As the oak tree fell to earth son. it split into four pieces and from its Christmas symbols, as with any . .... \ center there grew a young fir tree emblem, have meaning according ••• J •t I,...~ pointing a green spire toward the to one's own experiences and as- ~... sky. "This 'little tree shall be your sociations. Woodbridge Metcalf ' I Holy Tree tonight," he said. "It is has written a parody of Joyce Kil- . . . 1. the wood of peace, for your houses mer's poem "Trees." >. \ •• ( ., are built of the fir. It is the sign of an endless life, for its leaves are ever- · · green. See how it points toward the ... An Artificial Christmas Tree? heavens. Let this be called the tree I think that I shall never see of the Christ Child. Gather about it, A thing as ugly as this "tree." not in the wilderness, but in your Instead of needles soft and green, homes. There it will be surrounded It has a harsh, metallic sheen. with loving gifts and rites of kind- ness." The branches fold, its trunk square; No bird has ever nested there; No fragrance as of pine or spruce, Pervades the air throughout its use.
Jt never felt the gentle rain, "I • • 'J - The season's change on hill and plain, :.. i ..... Or sensed the tender loving care ": ~,r, Provided in plantations where, e- ., 'l ~,a\ , ~,l ,:!l~tr Under the grower's watchful eye ~-~. · The green trees thrive beneath the. sky. This thing of metal's not for me. ·,.:;',-.:c,,-,C .,.,, "''\... ~$·.... J"":.•;-•; ~· ,:,- <.t•. ,, .•:t,i::1n, ·:r-~ ·r -,> .... j -.. • -:. • ·:. - • £..~·-·~ ·,:\' .. f\. .. "'- • -I .:: t< • Jl,\.1'r ...,ti, I • ...~I 'f • • l :}t~~ :,_ .:•,. .'· • ~,I,•_; ,e, •" y ' ' > ' • '• ~--- ,:lit • : I\. lit' . , .. • .,.,. .~ , ~\-- . , ,. " ~J , • • • ' r • .,. _.j ... · --;...... • . ... r. r
\ , /., I r _: l • , 11""~• . t • t ...... ·" ... • " : f • f •, 1'. • , • '" . ._ ,. • ; ' , " JI ' • .. ' ., ' :., I 1,: 'I [ " 'I I l I+ I • ' • '' ' • • ' 1 '1 .. ,•. '1' •ii •I -,, • '] I : • 1:, '•• (, ",' ._::·,· . ~- .'f • \ "\' ( ;'r •:' • ' " l •' •' •: I •f. _' 'i:t i,;, "'t ..... , •• .. .. •,, • 1 1 ; ,• ,' "°i 1 8 •, •: '· South Dakota Extension Service Circular 611 .. t .:.- • ..,..1 # ,," •• ·f . 1 f'"~·.,.. ~ ., • • - Last Christmas a young Air Force Use of evergreens, cones, and , .:.,. "... :-:.,. serviceman, who was serving his fragrant herbs in making wreaths ..f "~i1 ,, ...,. ' • I year- o f overseas d uty, was f aced and garlands for festive occasions, with his first Christmas away from and particularly for Christmas, t1i\!H;·..,. dates back to the Egyptians a thou- ,i'"'i ·1 • t>' home. He was on a bleak, desolate ll;:'.· 1 ' ...~l sand years or more before the time ~.!·\ •• , island where no trees ·could grow of Christ. References of these can .•.. •.: due to the strong winds and wet, be found in Oriental literature, .. foggy weather. His parents sent him . l' . traditions of the Persians., festivals '. . a small aluminum Christmas tree, of the Romans, in ancient records of :I .".'' \Y . \ some colorful decorations and a the Hebrews, and in the rituals of • ! • " • small Nativity scene in hopes they the ancient Druids. The evergreens, .. ,, '• would cheer his barracks room. He as pagan or Christian custom, have ';,!' jl I ' wrote home that this tree was plac- always symbolized eternal life, for "-J',. • I ', 1.,: .. t t ed in their dayroom for all to share. when all else is brown and dead, 1, ..... , ii . I Lights were added and the spirit of their rich green color emphasizes Ill Christmas became brighter to those the meaning of this symbol. servicemen in the barracks. Holly has been popular as a Christmas symbol all over the This "artifical Christmas tree" be- world. This evergreen tree or shrub came their symbol of the true mean- has glossy sharp-pointed leaves and ing of Christmas and brought mem- brilliant red berries. The name is ories of past Christmases and believed to be derived from the "home" to each one who shared it. word "holy." How many more were in parts of According to some sources, the world where evergreens were Christ's crown of thorns had been not availiable? fashioned from holly leaves at the time of the Crucifixion, and an old Regardless of its size or form, legend relates that before the her- whether live or artificial, highly ries were red they were yellow, and ornamented with lights and fancy the wounds of Christ stained them ormanments or garlands of cran- red. berries and popcorn, cookies and Among the first plants sighted by nuts, it matters not-a Christmas the Pilgrims was the native Ameri- tree, or branch, or pyramid, topped can holly, which was found then in by a shining star to remind us of great abundance all along the south Bethlehem, carries a message that shore of :Massachu etts. This was a is universal. Daniel J. Foley, a cheerful reminder of their home- widely known horticulturist, ex- land and their traditions associated pressed it well when he said "The with Christmas. Today it has been Christmas tree-a symbol as high so extensively used for Christmas as hope, as wide as love, bearing greens that it has been almost ex- the Sign of the Cross on every terminated in many sections~ it is branch-makes Christmas truly a now protected by law in several feast of the heart." states. w ~J· 1 lllt(.. -.,.,._....._. ____JL-.:::._,.,..,__~~.~, ...,,,.,-~y"1,···l.'..t-ft" '. i_.l,lfi..,: • - • '•:-:.-•I~· •~.'-;-.•,!' ;.,.~ ~- ,r. "' t:~~'7~:,,1,-·~:.. . '.{c,'i:1'!ti,t-·t;l · '·"'~·r..-~:-!.'•' .. ~·'" t~ ~, .,.~j~,~".,.··~~:~l~1,';I, , ,. '..lr .. _...... ~;~~,,·· --T~I - ,., r, ,, ,. • -T' , .... ~. ;.,. ;;:~-;. $, .,:, ,;;_..a ~.'"flo.:;, ..., . lo! • •. • • "'"°'t - ., 1 . "~,n· ' .. ~.w. 4 ~.tt~~~~~~-.J"ff"! -'~:~~ f~<,l~•Ji--{~~: '*~-"!~-~U'-~ -~" I ' • - - .,w-r·,· ;.,:,-·s·..:~...... ·~.c!IAt~"-'~' ..,...... ·-~-:
Symbols of Christmas 9 In the ~eligion of our pagan an- This plant, which is not cultivat- cestors, the Druids, mistletoe was ed, is gathered by collectors for sale regarded with great reverence. The during the Christmas holidays be- Druids were an order of priests or cause it resembles the traditional ministers <;>f religion among the an- mistletoe of Europe, which for cen- turies has been a romantic Yuletide cient Celts of Gaul, Britain, and symbol with vague religious or Ireland. To them the oak tree rep- sentimental significance. It is inter- resented one supreme God, and the esting to note that mistletoe is also mistletoe, growing upon it as a the state "flower" of Oklahoma. parasite, represented the depend- Unlike most plants, mistletoe and ence of man upon God. The oak holly bear fruit in winter. This fact tree was thus a sacred tree, and made them symbols of "strong consequently, the place of worship life" that would bring good luck and was in the oak groves. happiness. ' It was believed that mistletoe hap. The history of mankind down been brought from heaven by the through the ages has been influenc- missel thrush. Apparently someone ed greatly by the worship of trees.
saw one of these birds with a white From this ancient realm of tree L ,. • __. berry stuck to its toe and created worship came the Christmas ob- ...... the word "mistletoe." Since birds servance of "kindling" the Yule log. " feed on these berries, they are large- It originated in Northern Europe ly responsible for the plant's wide where the Druids carefully selected distribution. It has also been called a large log, pref rably from a fruit- the "tree thief" since it is a parasite bearing tree, such as the apple or oak. They blessed the log and pray- and grows without touching the ed that it would burn forever. ground. In the castles during the Middle The Romans considered mistle- Ages, the bringing in and placing of toe a· symbol of hope and peace. the massive yule log on the hearth When. enemies met under it, they of the great :fireplace was the most laid aside their weapons, kissed joyous of the ceremonies observed each other, and declared a truce un- on Christmas Eve. There was much til the next day. Others believed ceremony as all the people knew that only happiness could exist un- well that the yule log was full of der the mistletoe, so sealed their good promise and that its flames pledges of peace and friendship burned out old wrongs replacing with kisses. This may have been the them with happiness and good origin of the kissing custom under cheer for all that honored it during the mistletoe. the Christmas season. .:. '? -..,.... • .aa. ; ,,i -.. ' ... ..dr' :/ • • "·. ' { .t'lt_• 11. • "IIJ. 'ti·-~~~f.i' - _ -.- • r 4 , " F, • • I I -'"\-t ._ N f ( f ... ; - ' ,1...... :; . ; • 10 South Dakota Extension Serv£ce Circular 611 The poinsettia, a colorful tropi- fixed in sand-filled papet bags, cal plant, now recognized as one adorn the walks, roofs, and walls. of our most highly cherished Firecrackers are frequently used Christmas emblems, is frequently as means_of celebration. used as a gift in the form of a pot- The friendly snowman, snow- ted house plant. Its brilliant red flakes, and the country scenes of and green bracts, or leaves, sur- snow-covered landscapes are close- round the small yellow flowers in ly associated with Christmas in the center, making it most appro- the cold climates. Friends of all priate for Christmas. ages share good times with skiing, ,,' - , I· It was introduced into this coun- sliding, ice - skating, sleigh - rides, snowball "fights," or sculpturing ':- try by Dr. Joel Poinsett, secretary of war from 1837-1841. Dr. Poinsett figures in the snow. Jack Frost cre- ','!' a resident of Charleston, South ates work of art on windows and Carolina, · became aquainted with landscape. the flaming plant when he served Everywhere - everywhere, Christmas as United States minister to Mex- tonight! ico. It was long known in its coun- Christmas in lands of the fir tree and try of origin as the "flower of the pine Holy Night." He made the plant Christm~s in lands of the palm tree and his special hobby and sent hun- vine, dreds of them all over the world. Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white, Florists today estimate poinsettia Christmas where corn fields lie. sunny plants make up about 50 percent and bright, of all plant and cut flower sales at Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas Christinas. tonight. -Phillips Brooks ENVIRO NMEN TAL SYMBO LS CHILDREN'S SYMBOLS One of the joys of Christmas is The story of the first Christmas
the realization that Christians all is centered around the Baby Jesus, 11 over the world are celebrating the joyful celebration of His birth, '. Christmas. It is celebrated in di£- and guts presented to Him. This ...... ferent ways, partly because in story, for nearly 2,000 years, has : • many areas Christmas falls in the been told in every way possible to middle of summer, as in Brazil, or children of every generation. where the climate is never cold. Giving presents is an important .t,_.i...,,l..,,, The Mexican climate is too warm part of Christmas, thus bringing t• -· ·· · for Santa Claus and his reindeer, about the gift-bearer of mystery ~r, but the old Aztec god of the sun and legend. Although it is custom- and air, symbolized as a feathered ary to regard him as a myth, there n,1r..-..:. serpent, takes his place in the im- actually was a real Saint Nicholas, agination of these people as the an early Christian bishop who lived ,\ :, ,.' "
The Christmas Tree-Daniel J. Foley All About Christmas-Maymie R. Krythe Christmas Customs Around the World-Herbert H. Wernecke Christmas Idea Book-Dorothy Biddle & Dorothy Blom Make Your Own Merry Christmas-Anne Wertsner The Book of Christmas-Marguerite Ickis Christmas and Its Customs-Christina Hole The Story of Christmas-Michael Harrison