Christmas symbols

Hi!

I will write about Polish Christmas symbols, traditions and customs, because others have written about other things.

Christmas tree – symbol of life (green, fresh needles)
Things on the Christmas tree:
- chains - they symbolise the snake from the Bible - devil or strengthened family bonds
-star – Star of Bethlehem
-apples - health and beauty
-nuts - guarantee the prosperity and vital forces,
-honey gingerbread - good luck for the New Year,
-lamps and glass balls were supposed to protect the house from demons
-cherubim (small angels)- these are carers of the house

Presents – we get presents because Jesus got the presents from the Three Kings
Christmas carols - the most well-known of carols are “Silence night, holy night”, “Today in Bethlehem”
Carol singers – the people dressed up as animals (stork, goat, bear) – Mazury – the part of Poland
Carol singers – the people dressed up as Santa Claus, animals… - rest of Poland

Wafer- symbol of conciliating and forgiving, sign of friendship and love

First star of the sky - symbolic reference to the Star of Bethlehem
Christmas play – show of the Jesus born (first Christmas play was created by Franciszek from Asyż)
Santa Claus – bishop of Mira (he lived in 3rd and 4th century AD)

Mistletoe - under mistletoe people in love kiss

The number of Christmas dishes refers to important symbols :
12 Christmas dishes on the table = 12 apostles
7 Christmas dishes = 7 days in week
9 Christmas dishes = 9 of heavenly hosts