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

Fall Crawl- DIY Centerpiece

Wow, there are only a few days until the official start of Fall.  We are blessed with beautiful Fall colors every year in North Carolina.

I am so honored to be a part of Marilyn's Fall Crawl with 9 other lovely blogging ladies! You can find all of their Fall creations over at the Fall Crawl link up. This is my very 1st feature in bloggy world; Yay!   It took me a while to figure out what I was going to do being the over analyzing procrastinator I am.  I have a great love of centerpieces, but have yet to create my own.

Fall Centerpiece:

Materials for Glitter Candle: 

Mod Podge Matte

Fall colored brownish/goldish/orangish fine glitter (on sale at Micheals for 1.99)

Artificial Fall leaves (picked up at AC Moore for .99)

Candle holder (Dollar Tree)

Candle holder Cylinder (Dollar Tree)

Glass Gems

Epoxy

Sandpaper(helps the Epoxy adhere better)

~Mix a some glitter with the Mod Podge and spread evenly on candles surface

~Sprinkle glitter around all sides(I put it on top of a cleaned out baby food jar to spread evenly along the bottom)

~Let dry

*Sandpaper slightly around the rim of the candle stick holder; clean off.

*Place Epoxy mix on surface and place glass cylinder on top; let dry.

*Epoxy gems around rim of candle stick for decoration.

Arrange artificial leaves around the bottom with corners facing up.
Place glittered Mod Podge pillar in the center.

Materials for Cinnamon Candle:

1 pack +1(10 1/2)cinnamon sticks cut in 1/2 (Dollar Tree)

Spool of sheer purple ribbon( $1 @ Walmart)

1/2 pearl bead

Rubber band

Glass candle plate(Dollar Tree)

Glass leaf gems

~Measure up your cinnamon sticks to your pillar and cut.

~Place rubber band around the top of 3 in. pillar & arrange your cinnamon sticks around.

~Fold your sheer ribbon in 1/2 and tie into a pretty bow; attach 1/2 sticky pearl onto center.

Pretty and smells like Fall!

Do you make your own centerpieces?

You can join the fun by linking up your Fall creations too.  We will be crawling all the way to September 22nd, so come join us @ the Fall Crawl linky party!

DIY Diamond and Pearl Pillars

I absolutely LOVE candles...especially when I can make my own creation! Every now and then I want something fancy. Making them is always the best option, in my opinion. I actually enjoy taking the time to create something new and pretty. I love decorating our home with creations made by my hands or my childrens hands, they are the best way to decorate. Diamonds and pearls are up there in the fancy factor, so that is what I went with. Do you like to make your own decorative candles? 

These are the beautiful bling candles that inspired me to create my own version.

 

$15  Diamond and Pearl Pillars

What you need:

 

Red Pillar Candle- 2.8in x 6in H  $2.88

White Pillar Candle- 2.8in W x 3in H  $2.88

Jolee's Bling Border Sticker Sheets- I got these for $4 each at Walmart.

*note- not all of the jewels are straight.

You would need to get 2 sets of each if you want to do the top and the bottom just to make sure you have enough, it just depends on how many lines you are wanting to do.

All you need to do it stick and position into a straight as possible line and that is that. : )

Have fun making some beautiful candles!  Let me know how it goes.