An age old custom, Christmas decoration starts on November 1st every year, a day after Halloween celebrations. While pine green (evergreen), snow white, and heart red are the traditional colors of Christmas, the emblematic icons of the festival include Santa Claus, Baby Jesus, Jingle Bells and the star of Bethlehem. Different countries use different kind of decorations according to their civilization and existing resources around. The festivity mostly lasts till New Year, after which these holy decorations are taken down according to their specific traditions. While talking of Christmas decorations, the Christmas tree cannot be left behind. Unique and exquisite, decorating Christmas tree tradition has its roots in Germany, way back in the 16th century. Since then, it has been an insignia of Christmas celebrations. The greenery used in the decorations is mostly of Holly leaves, Ivy Leaves, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. But did you know that apart from beautifying the home, the decorations done have certain superstitions attached to them. Read the following lines and explore some facts and superstitions related to Christmas decorations.
Christmas Decoration Superstitions
Here are some superstitions and
rituals related to home decoration on Christmas and Christmas trees.
There is a list of lucky omens on Christmas too.
Christmas Decorations Superstitions
- Most homes were decorated on Christmas Eve to avoid the anger of capricious forces.
- No lights were put on before the first star appeared.
- The tree should be brought into the house not before the 24th December.
- Trees are decorated only after the children go to bed.
- In Germany, the last ornament on the tree is a pickle shaped ornament. In the morning, the child who finds the Christmas pickle gets a special present.
- Traditionally, the doors of the home were thrown open at midnight on Christmas Eve to let the trapped evil spirits out.
- The Christmas candle was left burning in a window all night to enlighten the path of the good luck for the coming year to the household.
- The first person to wake up on Christmas would shout into the street 'Welcome Old Father Christmas'.
- Sweeping the threshold was thought to clear out trouble for the next year.
- Male visitors are preferred but red-haired men are thought to bring bad luck.
- Lucky birds are welcome on Christmas and signify good luck.
- The first person to visit the household should bring the evergreens or coals with him and gets the privilege to kiss all the women of the house. Men are served with a drink and something to eat while children are given lucky coins.
- Decorations should be taken down on 12th day of Christmas Eve, whereas in some other countries the festivity of Christmas remains till the feast of the Grand Candle mass that falls around 2nd February.
- An angel or star is placed on the top of Christmas tree which represents being the host of angels or the star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.