Symbols of Christmas and the Meaning

Have you ever wondered why we have certain symbols during Christmas time? I have and I decided to put together a few of the findings I came across. I just have one of those minds that needs to know the whys of everything. I printed it out and put it in a picture frame to serve as a much needed little reminder during the holiday season. I do not normally post topics having to do with religion or beliefs because I am acceptable to everyones right to religion and would never want to offend anyone. I would feel like something was missing in our home if we did not praise and celebrate our belief for the reasoning behind Christmas. I love being able to share this information with our children. I mean they ask a gazillion and a half questions an hour, so I better have some answers. Let's get to it! Here are a few of the symbols that are often at the top of our list during Christmas time. 

Mistletoe: In eighteenth-century England, it became irresistible to kiss a woman standing under mistletoe. The kiss could have meant a long-lasting relationship or a long-lasting friendship and goodwill. If the woman remained un-kissed, she would never marry. To this day, people stand under the mistletoe to kiss, whether to ward off evil spirits, or to declare a truth. 

We LOVE the 12 Days of Christmas songs as well as the funny ones. I have the glass set and we sing each of the songs! We made a post about it on December 12. 

12 Days of Christmas song: Represents the twelve days between the birth of Christ on December 25 and the coming of the Magi on January 6. (Epiphany)  The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so..." 

A partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ

2 Turtle Doves- The Old and New Testaments 

3 French Hens- Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues 

4 Calling Birds- the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists 

5 Golden Rings-  The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace. 

6 Geese A-laying-  the six days of creation 

7 Swans A-swimming-  the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments 

8 Maids A-milking- the eight beatitudes 

9 Ladies Dancing- the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit 

10 Lords A-leaping- the ten commandments 

11 Pipers Piping- the eleven faithful apostles 

12 Drummers Drumming- the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Nativity, Christmas Tree, History of the Christmas Tree, Star of Bethlehem, The Lords Angels, Evergreen Wreath, Holly Plants, Saint Nicholas, Candy Cane, Gift Giving, Mistletoe, 12 Days of Christmas Song

Free Clip Art Sources: Star, Lords Angel, Evergreen Wreath, Gifts, Santa, Tree, Holly Leaf