Christmas Symbols and Their Meanings

Angels – Heralds for the news of the birth of a baby in a manger.

Bells – Bells have rung out for all important events for centuries, plus lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell.

Candy Cane  – Symbolizes the crook of the shepherds who visited Christ.  Red represents the blood that was spilled and white is for purity. The peppermint oil that flavors is known for its strong healing properties.

Cards – Produced in Britain in 1843 to be sent with love to family and friends around the world by the new Postal services.

Carols – Poems and stories of worship made into songs.

Carolers – Groups of people who strolled the streets singing Christmas songs

Feasting – To celebrate the joy of the baby’s arrival on the 25th December. 

Gift Giving – The Wise Men bowed before the baby and gave him gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Gold – Decorating using the color of one of the gifts of the wise men.

Green – Decorating using the color of evergreens which show everlasting love.

Holly – Represents Eternal Life and the crown of thorns worn by Jesus.

Mistletoe: In the 18th Century, men kissed a woman who stood under mistletoe to show love, friendship and goodwill. If a woman was un-kissed, she would (supposedly) never marry.

Nativity: The birth of Jesus Christ

Poinsettia –  Red flowers used in countries such as Mexico to symbolize Christmas time.

Stockings – Hung by children to receive gifts

Twelve Days of Christmas: Twelve days between the birth of Christ on December 25 and the coming of the Magi on January 6, the Epiphany.

Tree – Evergreen tree symbolizes eternal life and love

Wreath – Made of evergreens to symbolize never ending love