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We dive deep into the intent and meaning behind the hallmarks of this holiday. Skip to main content. 24/7 Help. For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us. Sign in ...
A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree often placed in the chancel or nave of a church during Advent and Christmastide. [1] [2] The Chrismon tree was first used by North American Lutherans in 1957, [3] although the practice has spread to other Christian denominations, [4] including Anglicans, [5] Catholics, [6] Methodists, [7] and the Reformed. [8]
Let's start with the iconic Christmas tree. It's said the tradition began because, in many countries, evergreens are believed to ward off evil spirits and illness, according to history.
In 2004, Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ. This very ancient custom, he said, exalts the value of life, as in winter what is evergreen becomes a sign of undying life, and it reminds Christians of the "tree of life", [155] an image of Christ, the supreme gift of God to humanity. [156]
A Yule goat on a Christmas tree. 'Old Christmas', riding a yule goat; 1836 illustration by Robert Seymour. The Yule goat is a Scandinavian and Northern European Yule and Christmas symbol and tradition. Its origin is from Germanic paganism and has existed in many variants during Scandinavian history. Modern representations of the Yule goat are ...
"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches"—this popular seasonal song begins by complimenting the Christmastime symbol we all automatically associate with the holiday.
Items such as the Chrismon/Christmas tree and Advent wreath are placed in the church during the hanging of the greens ceremony. The hanging of the greens is a Western Christian ceremony in which many congregations and people adorn their churches, as well as other buildings (such as a YWCA or university), with Advent and Christmas decorations.
Neapolitan presepio at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. In the 15th century, it was recorded that in London, it was the custom at Christmas for every house and all the parish churches to be "decked with holm, ivy, bays, and whatsoever the season of the year afforded to be green". [4]