DUNDEE KZN: What do Christmas symbols mean?
Ever wondered why mistletoe or gift giving are synonymous with Christmas?
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The Christmas tree
Mystery surrounds the true origin of the Christmas tree. However, there are many theories ranging from the Druids to one of England’s 19th century kings. The evergreen is an ancient symbol of eternal life, which we have through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Gifts
For many people, gifts define Christmas. Focus is placed on the giving and receiving of gifts. The wise men brought their gifts of gold to honor the infant king in Bethlehem’s manger have inspired the concept of gift giving at Christmas.
Mistletoe
It is a parasite that has no roots of its own. It lives off the tree to which it attaches itself and, without that tree, it would die. Mistletoe is a Christmas symbol of love, which derives from and exists only because God loves us.
Christmas red and green
Red traditionally represents the sacrifice of blood that Jesus shed while hanging on the cross. Green represents the evergreen, ie. eternal life.
Stars
Represent one of the most well-known symbols of Christmas. Stars at Christmas time represent the biblical Star of Bethlehem, which was a beacon of reckoning for the wise men to follow.
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