When researching your Christmas card ideas, don't forget to find out the meaning of the Christmas symbols that are commonly mentioned in Christmas card ideas and used in actual Christmas cards. Read on for some interesting tidbits about some of the popular Christmas card ideas and symbols.
Mistletoe: Mistletoe was used by the Druid priests long before the birth of Jesus Christ in their winter celebrations. The plant had no roots, yet it continued to remain green through the winter. The Celtics also believed that mistletoe had healing powers and used it as an antidote for infertility and to ward off nasty beings and spirits. They also believed that mistletoe was a symbol of peace. The Scandinavians believed the plant was associated with the goddess of love. They believed that those who kissed under the mistletoe would have a promise of luck and happiness in the new year, as well as being blessed with fertility.
Christmas Cards: Christmas cards originated in England and were created by an artist. The first real Christmas card is credited to Sir Henry Cole in 1843. He was the director of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. He commissioned an artist named John Callcott to draw an illustration that would be used on the card. He give him many Christmas card ideas, but basically let John Callcott have free reign. The card had three panels. The center panel had a family enjoying Christmas festivities and the message said, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” The cards were sent because he was too busy to send individualized messages to his friends.
Xmas: Many people believe that the term “Xmas” is disrespectful and a slang term. However, the Greek word fro Christ is Xristos. The letter “X” was used as a religious symbol in Greece. Europeans have used Xmas as an abbreviation for Christmas since the 16th century.
Snow: Many people in ancient times believed that the sky was a dome that was supported by heavenly bodies. They believed that the dome had windows and doors that angels, gods, snow, and rain would descend from when needed. In the book of Job, God has the power to send snow down to protect the water, soil and to hinder soldiers in the battlefields. Because snow is white and fresh, it is often a symbol of purity.
Poinsettias: Poinsettias were used in the 17th century Christmas celebrations of Mexican Franciscans. The plant was named after the US Ambassador to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, when he brought the plant to the United States in 1828. A legend associated with the poinsettia says that a young Mexican boy realized that he had no gift for the Christ child at the Nativity scene. He gathered the green branches and spread the leaves in a star-shaped flour. The plant is actually not a flower, but the upper leaves are actually bright red leaves.
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