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THE COLORS OF CHRISTMAS

There are several colors which are traditionally  associated with Christmas. The most popular are Red, Green & Gold. But why....and what do all the colors represent? Most of the colors and their meanings have evolved from the Western/Northern European Christian traditions and customs, with Christmas in the middle of Winter where it is dark early and cold.

GREEN:

Evergreen plants like Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long, dark Winter. They also reminded people that Spring was around the corner, and Winter wouldn't last forever. The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians would bring palm branches into their homes during the mid-winter festivals.

In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, Paradise Plays were performed, most often on Christmas Eve. Bible stories were acted out for people who couldn't read. The "Paradise Tree" in the Garden of Eden in the play, was normally a pine tree, adorned with red apples tied to it. Now the most common use of green at Christmas time, are Christmas trees.

RED:

As stated, the early use of red at Christmas, were the apples on the Paradise Tree, which, in the plays, represented the fall of Adam. Red is also the color of holly berries, which is said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. Red is also the color of Bishops robes. These would have been worn by St. Nicholas, then became Santa's uniform.

GOLD:

Gold is the color of the Sun and light, both very important in the dark Winter and both red and gold are the colors of fire, needed to keep you warm. Gold was also one of the gifts presented to the baby Jesus by one of the wise men. Traditionally it's the color used to depict the star, followed by the wise men. (Silver is sometimes used, instead, but gold is the warmer color)

WHITE:

White is often associated with purity and peace in Western Cultures, as is the snow of Winter. White, paper thin, wafers were also sometimes used to decorate the Paradise Trees. The wafers represented the bread which is eaten during the Christian Communion or Mass, as a reminder that Jesus died for them. White is used by most churches as the color of Christmas, when the altar is covered by a white cloth. (In the Russian Orthodox Church, at Christmas, a Gold cloth is used to cover the altar)

BLUE:

The color blue is often associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In Medieval times, blue dye and paint was more expensive than gold, therefore would only be worn by Royal families and people of wealth. Mary was often painted wearing blue to show that she was very important. Blue also represents the color of the sky and heaven. During Advent, the month of preparation leading to Christmas day, purple (occasionally blue) is used in most churches for the color of the altar cloth. (In the Russian Orthodox Church, during Advent, red is used as the color of the alter cloth)

some information excerpted from, www.whychristmas.com/customs/colors-of-christmas.

While the Christmas Holiday is arguably the most colorful of all holidays, it is celebrated by many cultures in many different ways. Have a safe and wonderful Holiday, and try to not let all the commercialism overshadow this meaningful time of year.

For all your Real Estate & Insurance needs and helpful hints, Contact, LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star in Town", 1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J, 732-744-0400