Old World Traditions
I love living in the United States for many reasons, but during the holidays it usually has to do with all the traditions we've adopted. You don't have to travel the world to find different cultural experiences, you can probably walk next door to your neighbors where they each have their own way of celebrating that has been passed down through their family line.
The love of hand crafted items is one that has been prevalent in my family for generations. We are full of crafters, sewers, crocheters, and cross stitchers. Infact, right now in my dining room is a colorful tree full of hand crafted ornaments made by family members. It started long before I could safely hold a glue gun and every Christmas we made an ornament to add to our collection. I have continued the tradition with my children, which is what go me thinking on the meaning and history of these well known Christmas decorations.
From Germany to the U.S.A
With mystic and beautiful places like the forests of Germany it is not hard to see why the art of decorating a Christmas Tree originated here. Also originating here in 1605 a.d., is the idea of bringing these pine beauties inside our homes. The trees were adorned with paper roses, candles, nuts, and fruits, which was groundbreaking! The idea of decorating a tree indoors took off and spread across Germany.
In the 1800s, German immigrants brought the tradition to America, who made their own interpretations. Early ornaments were made out of whatever items that families had on hand – fruit, nuts, strings of popcorn and cranberries, paper streamers, candles, and metal foil. The new idea of adding decorations to a tree really got peoples creative juices flowing! Eventually in the 19th century the craft of hand blown ball ornaments were introduce and once again added a whole new level of tree decorating.
Common Ornaments and Their Meanings
The Christmas Star: When Christ was born there was a great and shiny star in the sky and the star that we use to decorate our trees today is representative of the original Star of Bethlehem, Candy Canes: Are shaped like Shepherds crooks and Around 1900, the red stripes and peppermint flavoring were added. Christians believe that the red stripes represent the blood that Jesus shed on the cross and the peppermint flavoring represents the hyssop plant that was used for Biblical purification, Angels: Of course are to watch over us and keep our family and homes safe, but it also represents the angel that appeared in Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus, the angel Gabriel who told Mary she would give birth to Jesus. Now, Christmas tree ornaments have come to really represent the interests of each individual family and carry our own significant meanings.
Merry and Bright!
If you love the look of hand made ornaments or want to start your own traditions I have come across a 'sweet' pattern for crocheted candy canes. Below is a picture of what they look like and a downloadable pattern just for you. Merry Christmas & warm holiday wishes!
