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Festive decor and their significance
By Davina Bagot
Kaieteur News – The warmth and joy that Christmas decorations bring is inexplicable. The twinkling lights, welcoming wreaths and colourful balls on triangular trees ignite a special feeling in hearts across the world.
Usually, lovers of Christmas start the countdown to Christmas in anticipation of the day when it becomes “legally acceptable” to get their trees out of the storage rooms and into their halls or verandahs as we know it in Guyana.
Each type of decoration has its own significance and has a special relevance to Christmas.
Christmas trees
Christmas trees are used around this season as they represent the birth and resurrection of Jesus and everlasting life with God. In fact, research shows that the triangular shape of Christmas trees symbolize the Holy Trinity- God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Star
A star is usually used to adorn the top of the Christmas tree. It represents the bright star that shone over the town of Bethlehem on the night that Jesus Christ was born. It is also symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to baby Jesus. The Christmas star also represents hope and peace.
Garlands
Although Christmas is known as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, garlands are used for decorative purposes around the time of year in honour of His death. It is the belief that Jesus was adorned with a crown of thorns during his crucifixion, a twisted form of garland. The garlands are therefore used as a reminder of Jesus’ immense sacrifice and love for us during this season.
Lights
Christmas is celebrated at the end of year, usually a dark, cold time. Lights are used to decorate homes and even businesses to symbolize Jesus’ status as the Light of the World, and the way he came to save mankind from darkness.
Wreaths
Wreaths are usually used around this time of year to adorn doors. It is circular and symbolizes the strength and love of Jesus Christ for all. The circle is reflective that the love of Christ has no beginning or end and also reminds of the circle of life and love. Some believe that the wreath is also a representation of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion.
Candy canes
Candy canes are a popular type of decoration associated with the Christmas season. It is also a mint-candy, shaped like a shepherd’s, staff symbolic of the shepherds who searched for Jesus when he was born.
Another meaning behind the hooked shape of the candy is that Jesus called Himself “the Good Shepherd” and His disciples were His flock of devoted followers, the sheep. The cane formation makes them easy to hang on Christmas trees and garlands.
Mistletoe
Some call Christmas ‘the most beautiful time of the year’ because of the pleasures associated with mistletoe. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started in ancient Greece, during the festival of Saturnalia and later in marriage ceremonies, because of the plant’s association with fertility. Mistletoe became a romantic part of the holiday season.
Bells
If you’ve ever heard the Christmas carol ‘Silver Bells’ then you’ve probably wondered how this is associated with the holiday season.
Bells are usually used to adorn Christmas trees and garlands around this time of year because it represents the proclamation of joy and happiness for the birth of Christ.
Bows
Bows are a very popular form of decoration that is used at Christmas. They can be found not only on trees but also on presents. These decorations symbolize unity among mankind, and how we all should be tied together in goodwill.
Angels
Angels, like stars, are traditional Christmas tree toppers because they played prominent roles in the birth of Jesus Christ. The Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, delivering the message from God that she would bear His son. Another angel visited Joseph in a dream to inform the carpenter that he should place his trust in Mary. Further along in this story, three angels appeared in the sky over Bethlehem to announce the birth of the Christ child.
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