The Christmas tree has many symbols that correspond to life. Because of its ability to live through the year, the evergreen tree is a symbol of everlasting life and growth (Rice). The Christmas tree symbolized an everlasting light, and a testimony of power to the Romans (Symbolic). To Christians, the Christmas tree was a symbol of the birth and the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Symbolic). Japanese and Chinese people used the Christmas tree to symbolize longevity and immortality (Symbolic). The Celtic people used the Christmas tree to represent the life of deities of life (Symbolic). Because it was exhibited as a Pagan symbol, most people believed the trees should not be put up at Christmas (Symbolic). The Christmas tree was also a symbol of …show more content…
It all started when St. Boniface cut down the oak tree and an evergreen grew from its stump (Robinson). Western missionaries introduced the tree to the Japanese and Chinese during the 19th and 20th century (Britannica). The Evergreen, which was once an oak tree, was used for Pagan ceremonies like sacrifices (Robinson). The Romans decorated their trees with twelve candles in honor of their Sun God. (Robinson). Greeks were the first people to decorate the evergreen and they did it to worship Adonai, which was their God (Robinson). The first modern Christmas tree originated in Western Germany (Britannica). The Christmas tree originated in North America during the 17th century (Britannica). To honor their God Woden, Germans hung fruit and candles from evergreens (Robinson). During the 17th century, Christmas trees were beginning to be seen in the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, and Switzerland (Britannica). The Pagans also used the evergreen tree to decorate their homes in December (Robinson). There isn’t any evidence that the Christmas tree originated from the Pagans (History). Christmas trees are said to be originated before the birth of Jesus (Christmas). Ornaments were beginning to be used by the 20th Century (History). Christmas trees originated when Evergreens were used to make wreaths to symbolize the crown of thorns (Rice). Candles were added to Christmas trees to show that Jesus was the light of the world
A Christmas Carol , is a story that uses symbols used in everyday life to create a feel for the overall meaning of the story. Charles Dickens used the symbol of fire in Scrooge’s house and the Cratchit Family, to show how each character utilizes fire to warm their home. Dickens uses the symbol of fire to compare how two different social classes can warm themselves during the winter days. No matter how poor a family is, they always create the warmest house because they are united as a family. Fire is used in this novel to bring compassion, hope, and light.
The Christmas tree is an important symbol because it represents Nora’s life. The beginning of Act 2 states that the tree was tattered and stripped of ornaments, just like Nora’s life was falling apart.
In many religions ways, the tree is seen as a primary symbol of worship. Such as the the Tree of Life, the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Death. The Anglo-Saxon Pagan religion is said to have relied heavily on tree worship and giving it spiritual value. In the Anglo-Saxon culture, the tree that is transformed into a cross is the symbol of Christianity while Christ simply is on the cross, but in modern Christianity Jesus is the symbol of Christianity as he hangs on the cross. In the story the sacred tree is depictated as the main character and God-like
Christmas was originally supposed to be a celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ. Modern historians suggest that Christ was actually born sometime in April, but that is hardly the point; the point is that a day on which to celebrate his birth and life was needed, and so one was chosen. During the season surrounding this holiday -- especially since it coincided with that of other, similar holidays -- it was thought right to honor Jesus by acting as he did, i.e., in a kind, generous, and forgiving manner. Out of this sprung the custom of giving gifts to loved ones on this holiday.
The play opens up with the Christmas tree being symbolic. The tree symbolizes Nora’s position in the Helmer household. The tree can also symbolize Nora’s personality. In the play the Christmas tree is a materialistic object used only for
"No matter where its seed fell, it made a tree which struggled to reach the sky. It grew in boarded-up lots, and out of neglected rubbish heaps and it was the only tree that grew out of cement. It grew lushly, but only in the tenement districts."(Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, pg. 6). This is a quote from Betty Smith's novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The quote is a great metaphor for the story, which is about a young girl named Francie and her life as she grows up in poverty during the early 1900's. Even so, while children, and most people in general, had hard lives then, there was still good to be fond around them. Not everything in their lives had to be bad so long as they didn’t want it to be.
The Bible is God's complete and final revelation to man, and it tells us everything we need to know for our spiritual lives (see II Timothy 3:16). We don't have to go outside the Bible for anything. God's Word tells us how we're to worship, how we're to give money for the support of the Lord's work, how to evangelize the lost, how to observe the Lord's Supper, and everything else pertaining to the Christian life. But not once in the Bible does God tell us to celebrate Christmas! We're told to remember the Lord's death, but nowhere are we told to celebrate His birth.
According to William Muir Auld’s book Christmas Traditions, the Christmas tree found its way into the hearts and homes of Christian people with their thoughts and sentiment. Auld writes, “On the night in which Christ was born, all the trees in the forest, despite snow and ice, bloomed and bore fruit” (Auld 138). This story was first told by a geographer of the tenth century named Georg Jacob. This story was as highly believed as the birth of Christ. Christmas trees can be dated back through writing, specifically songs and are associated with the Church, specifically to post-Reformation times. The trees, which decorate homes worldwide, are linked to a spiritual tradition practiced by a variety of religious groups. (The Fir Tree, page 241 in
Few people can confidently say why the United States celebrates Christmas on December 25. And I imagine even fewer people know why we give gifts, or why we pucker up when we find ourselves under some mistletoe. The answers to these questions are under a thick layer of rich human and mythological history. For me, the majority of these discoveries were absolutely shocking—Christ was never in Christmas.
The Christmas tree can truly be called a Victorian innovation. The custom of a lighted tree began in Germany then made its way to America. “It wasn't until Prince Albert, of German descent, brought the Christmas tree to England in 1840 that it gained popularity there. By 1847, the trees at Windsor Castle were laden with presents as well as wax candles.” Michelle J. Hoppe. The tradition spread as English citizens followed the Royal example. The trees and other decorations were removed on Twelfth Night (January 6).
One might ask, where did the tradition Santa Claus come from? The answer to this question unfortunately is not quite as straight forward. Somehow this tradition wove itself into the holiday season during the 4th century from Turkey, where a wealthy bishop, by the name of Nicholas habitually gave gifts to children. Following the death of Nicholas, he was honored as a saint, Sinter Nikolass, and a holiday was established in honor of him on December 6th. Dutch people in the Netherlands later shortened the saint's name to Sinter Klaas, which eventually evolved into Santa Claus in the US following Dutch i...
The majority of the trees being sold as Christmas trees are grown on farms just for this purpose and for each of these trees chopped down for your home, another 2 to 3 are planted. Farms for Christmas trees are actually ecologically beneficial as every acre of trees provides enough fresh oxygen for 18 people and they actively cleanse the air. Also, these farms help preserve open space and provide habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, artificial trees, when discarded will last for centuries in the landfill.
This symbol represented creation, rebirth and enlightenment. The tree has been worshipped by people of various origins. From the Celts to the ancient Mesopotamians, they all revered the tree of life. The ancient Mayan tribes saw the tree as the spiritual connection that connected all things in heaven, the earth and the underworld. Spiritual connection
Although it was never celebrated in biblical times, Christmas is celebrated in local churches here in Visalia, California in praise of the fact that God loved us so much; he sent his one and only son to earth. He was wholey god and wholey man. Whereas we have succumbed to the temptations of this earth, Jesus was able to overcome all temptations and live a sinless life. He was then crucified as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. One cannot understand why we celebrate the birth of Christ without seeing the other end of his life. He was crucified for our sins and resurrected.
A Christmas tree itself is a symbol of joy, so that is why it is used. Through all times and even in the Bible trees and flowers have been a subject of wonderment; a symbol of life, that is why Ibsen uses this as a symbol of Nora’s feelings. The play, “A Doll’s House” has a very symbolic title.... ... middle of paper ... ...