The hidden symbolism behind your Christmas decorations

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    This sparkly decoration symbolizes light and is hung on a Christmas tree to make sure darkness has no power during the holiday season.
    1/8 This sparkly decoration symbolizes light and is hung on a Christmas tree to make sure darkness has no power during the holiday season.
  • 2/8
    Legend says that a widowed father to three girls was having a tough time providing for his daughters. After St. Nicolas heard about his situation, he decided to climb down the family's chimney and filled the girls' stocking with gold coins.
    2/8 Legend says that a widowed father to three girls was having a tough time providing for his daughters. After St. Nicolas heard about his situation, he decided to climb down the family's chimney and filled the girls' stocking with gold coins.
  • 3/8
    Mistletoe survives by attaching itself to a tree, and would die without the tree. To Christians this represents how humans only exist because of God, according to A Christmas Testimony.
    3/8 Mistletoe survives by attaching itself to a tree, and would die without the tree. To Christians this represents how humans only exist because of God, according to A Christmas Testimony.
  • 4/8
    Since bells are traditionally rung at the beginning of mass in Catholic services, they've naturally become a part of Christmas decor over the years.
    4/8 Since bells are traditionally rung at the beginning of mass in Catholic services, they've naturally become a part of Christmas decor over the years.
  • 5/8
    The tree is the most iconic of all Christmas decorations. The tradition started, because in many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away evil spirits and illness.
    5/8 The tree is the most iconic of all Christmas decorations. The tradition started, because in many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away evil spirits and illness.
  • 6/8
    People disagree on the origins of this sweet Christmas treat, but many say the white represents purity, the red represents Jesus' blood shed, and the shape is supposed to be the staff of the Good Shepherd.
    6/8 People disagree on the origins of this sweet Christmas treat, but many say the white represents purity, the red represents Jesus' blood shed, and the shape is supposed to be the staff of the Good Shepherd.
  • 7/8
    These cookies have been said to exist as a reminder of when God created Adam in the Garden of Eden — and therefore his creation of all of us.
    7/8 These cookies have been said to exist as a reminder of when God created Adam in the Garden of Eden — and therefore his creation of all of us.
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    Some Christians believe wreaths represent thorns worn by Jesus and the tiny red berries represent his blood.
    8/8 Some Christians believe wreaths represent thorns worn by Jesus and the tiny red berries represent his blood.

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While to you Christmas decorations may just be a fun way to celebrate the season, there can be symbolism and meaning behind the pretty objects that adorn your house. 

Good Housekeeping did their research to find out the not-so-widely-talked-about reasons behind these traditions, and the findings were interesting! 

 

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