via Farmers’ Almanac

Years ago, Christmas wasn’t as widely spread in Egypt as today, with many people decorating their houses, others decorating their venues, and many events taking place in this festive season, such as shopping sprees and hunting down the perfect green, red, or white costumes.

If so, have you stopped for a minute and thought, why? Why is Christmas associated specifically with these three colours, and what do evergreens have to do with it? There are just so many things that are essential to Christmas now, but none of us really know why.

The Mystery of the Christmas Tree

Let’s take it step by step! When you’re preparing for Christmas, the first thing that you start thinking of is getting a Christmas tree, especially an evergreen. If we dig deep into it, we’ll discover that Christmas traditions have ancient roots. Yes, ancient. So, what does that word first bring to mind? Yes, correct– Ancient Egyptians and Romans.

Briefly, ancient Egyptians filled their homes with green palm rushes to celebrate their god, Ra, starting to recover from his illness at solstice. Green palm rushes symbolised the triumph of life over death. At the same time, early Romans marked the solstice in honour of Saturn, the god of agriculture. They decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs to mark the occasion.

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition when Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. So that’s a wrap for the history of the Christmas tree, and you know now what the green colour has to do with Christmas.

via Wikimedia Commons

Christmas Colours

What about the other two colours? Let’s go back to how this tradition started in, also in Germany.

You see, Germans brought these trees and decorated them with gingerbread, nuts, and apples. Hold on to the apples for a minute because that’s where the colour red comes in! After that, many people started to duplicate this practice in their own homes, and Christmas trees are decorated with Christmas baubles today. We guess this is starting to sound logical to you now.

Last but not least, can you guess why white is a colour associated with Christmas? In Western cultures, it’s often associated with purity and peace. It’s as white as the snow in winter, which fits amazingly in this context, we know. These historical stories bring us a feeling of warmth, just like the whole Christmas season is about.

via Pinterest

The (Mini) Story of Santa

You didn’t think we’d end this piece without telling about the origins of Santa Claus, did you? Well, here’s the brief version: Santa Claus is actually real. We bet your inner child is celebrating as you read this!

So, here’s the actual story—Santa Claus was actually St. Nicholas, who was greatly admired for his kindness. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and travelled the countryside, helping the poor and sick. You’re starting to get why Santa Claus enters children’s houses through chimneys to give them gifts with this little tidbit, right?

Speaking of gifts, warmth, and kindness, what are you waiting for? Start preparing for your Christmas with your loved ones through this festive season. As the song says, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

via Wikipedia