The Meaning of the Colors of Christmas
The red of Santa's suit and winter berries, the green of the Christmas pine and fir trees, the white of winter and snow, and the glittery gold of candles and Christmas lights---all are colors traditionally used to mark the Christmas season. They each represent Christmas in both religious Christians traditions and modern incarnations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Red
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Red has religious significance at Christmastime as it represents the blood of Jesus Christ. According to santas.net, red is the religious symbol for "fire, blood and charity." Vibrant red also appears in Santa's suit, made popular when the Coca-Cola beverage company used a red suit-clad Santa Claus in advertising in the early 20th century, to match the color of the soda's cans, says christmaslore.com.
Green
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"Green is the symbol of nature, youth and the hope of eternal life" that Jesus Christ offers, says santas.net, making it a natural Christmas color. A Christmas tree is usually an evergreen, also a symbol of eternal life. Green hues need not be confined to the Christmas tree---the color scheme is often carried through in wreaths, swags, ornaments, presents, table coverings and even Christmas china. The green does not necessarily need be in bright or Kelly Green tones. Hunter or sage green are also popular, likely chosen to match a home's décor.
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White
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In many countries' in the northern hemisphere, Christmas season coincides with winter and Christmastime. White is also the religious symbol for "light, purity, joy and glory," according to santas.net. Christian churches often use white as the liturgical color of Christmas, as well as gold, according to the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Gold
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"Gold stands for sunlight and radiance," says santas.net. Ancient pagans wintertime celebrations centered on the golden sun in a time of cold and even darkness. Christmas lights, candles and the star atop a Christmas tree could remind Christians of the star the Wise Men followed to find the Christ child. Silver is often substituted for gold, as it can create a chilly atmosphere, reminiscent of the wintry outside. Silver is sometimes exchanged for white, as well.
Color Combinations
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It may really be the combination of certain colors that really connote Christmastime. Red paired with green, red and white, any color with gold, and other unusual combinations such as icy blue, lilac and silver; and sage green, ivory and pewter, could be used in decorating at Christmastime, according to worldofchristmas.net. The arrangement of complementary red and green is most popular, and holly, with its green leaves and red berries, is particularly fitting as it includes both colors.
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References
- Photo Credit christmas holly image by Julianna Olah from Fotolia.com
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Lovely meanings for Christmas colors...
