Introduction
It’s finally December, and as you know, Christmas is coming up. People are starting to put decorations on their houses. As you walk by, you mostly see Santa Claus, reindeer, and more. But the colors you most often see are red, white, and green. Have you ever asked yourself why these colors are associated with Christmas? In this article, you’ll find out why!
Symbolism Behind the Colors of Christmas
Green
The color green is associated with evergreen trees, which have been used in winter celebrations for centuries. Fir trees were the first to be used as Christmas trees, a tradition that began about 1,000 years ago in Northern Europe. People in Northern Europe also planted evergreens in boxes inside their houses during winter. In the 16th century, Germans began decorating evergreen trees for Christmas, and the tradition spread around the world.
Red
In ancient pagan celebrations of the winter solstice, red was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. In Christian tradition, red symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ, who was born on Christmas Day. Red is also a common color for winter decorations, seen in holly berries, poinsettias, and other festive ornaments. The first poinsettias associated with Christmas were used in Mexico in the 1600s by Franciscan missionaries. The poinsettia was introduced to the United States in the 1820s by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. However, poinsettias didn’t become traditional holiday decorations until the Ecke family began promoting them a century later. In the 1920s, the Ecke family pioneered the poinsettia industry by sending free poinsettias to TV studios.
White
Since it snows in December, the color white has become associated with peace and purity. The color symbolizes the snow that falls during Christmas, representing calm and serenity. It is also seen in Santa Claus’s suit and beard, adding to the festive and peaceful imagery of the holiday season.
The Religious Reason Behind Christmas’ Colors
The Christmas colors are also symbolic in Christianity. Red and green represent the life of Jesus Christ. The color red symbolizes the blood of Jesus, while green represents the evergreen tree, signifying eternal life. These colors are also seen in the leaves and holy berries, which symbolize the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head during the crucifixion. The color white represents purity and light, and it is also reminiscent of the freshly fallen snow seen in winter.
Red, Green, & White: Fun Facts
Red Poinsettias
The Mexican Legend: A girl named Pepita was too poor to buy a gift for baby Jesus, so she picked weeds from the side of the road and brought them to church. When she placed them at the nativity scene, the weeds miraculously transformed into vibrant red flowers. These flowers became known as Flores de Nochebuena, which translates to “Flowers of the Holy Night.”
National Poinsettia Day: In 2002, the United States Congress designated December 12 as “National Poinsettia Day.”
Green Christmas Trees
The first artificial Christmas tree: The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany from goose feathers that were dyed green.
Santa’s Red and White Suit
Santa Claus: Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of orphans, banking, pawn broking, sailing, and New York City. Coca-Cola rebranded Santa in red and white in the 1930s, as he had previously been depicted in blue, white, and green.
Colorful Christmas Stockings
Christmas Traditions: Hanging colorful stockings originated from the Dutch tradition of leaving shoes filled with food for St. Nicholas’s donkeys.
Conclusion
These colors have been around since ancient times. I hope you now understand the significance of the colors of Christmas and enjoyed the fun facts. Thank you for reading, and happy holidays!
Works Cited:
- Berlin, I. (n.d.). Ten interesting facts about Christmas. Dallas City News. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.dallascitynews.net/ten-interesting-facts-about-christmas
- Legend of the Poinsettia — The Latin Ballet of Virginia. (n.d.). The Latin Ballet of Virginia. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.latinballet.com/the-legend-of-the-poinsettia
- Meyer, A. (n.d.). A Complete Guide To Christmas Colors. The Christmas Loft. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://christmasloft.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-christmas-colors-/
- Nowak, C. (n.d.). This Is Why Poinsettias Are the Official Christmas Flower. Weston Nurseries. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.westonnurseries.com/this-is-why-poinsettias-are-the-official-christmas-flower/
- Overdeep, M. (2023, November 10). How Red And Green Became The Official Colors Of Christmas. Southern Living. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/christmas/christmas-colors-green-red-holly-and-ivy
