Christmas is a time of year that’s overflowing with colour. From the red of Santa’s suit to the green of Christmas trees, the colours of Christmas are iconic and deeply ingrained in many holiday traditions. But where do these colours come from? And what do they symbolize? Let’s take a closer look at the history and meaning behind some of Christmas’ most beloved hues.
Red
One of the most ubiquitous colours of Christmas, red can be found in decorations, wrapping paper, and, of course, Santa’s signature suit. But red didn’t always have such strong ties to the holiday. In fact, early Christians associated red with the blood of Christ and used it sparingly in their Christmas decorations. It wasn’t until the 19th century that red really started to become associated with Christmas, thanks in large part to the influence of popular culture.
In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore’s now-famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (better known as “The Night Before Christmas”) introduced the image of a red-suited Santa Claus into the mainstream. And since then, Santa and his red suit have become one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas around the world.
Red also has another meaning when it comes to Christmas. In China, for example, the colour is seen as lucky and is often used in decorations and wrapped gifts.
Green
Like red, green is another colour with a long history when it comes to Christmas. For centuries, evergreen trees and wreaths have been used to decorate homes and churches during the holiday season. In many Christian cultures, these evergreens are seen as a symbol of eternal life, a reminder of God’s never-ending love.
Green also has associations with nature and fertility, which may be why it’s often used in Christmas decorations as a symbol of new life and hope for the future.
White
In Western cultures, white is often seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and hope. And while it’s not as commonly used in Christmas decorations as red or green, it still plays an important role in the holiday. One of the most popular examples is the tradition of using white candles in Advent wreaths. Each candle is lit on one of the Sundays leading up to Christmas, representing hope, peace, love, and joy.
Another popular use of white at Christmas is in nativity scenes. Baby Jesus is often depicted as being swaddled in white cloth, emphasizing his innocence and purity.
A great way to incorporate this colour into your Christmas decoration is to order a gorgeous Christmas bouquet. This way, you can have the best of both worlds with a beautiful decoration and the meaning that comes with it.
Blue
Blue isn’t as commonly used in Christmas decorations as other colours, but it does have some important symbolism. In the Christian tradition, blue is often seen as a symbol of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This association likely comes from the fact that blue was once a very expensive pigment and was therefore reserved for royalty (and by extension, religious figures).
Today, you’re more likely to see blue used in Hanukkah decorations than in Christmas decorations. This is because blue is one of the colours of the Hebrew flag and is therefore seen as a symbol of Jewish identity.
Purple
Purple is another colour with religious associations. In the Christian tradition, it’s often used to represent Advent, the four-week period leading up to Christmas. This is likely because purple was once a very expensive pigment and was therefore associated with royalty (as was blue).
Today, you’re more likely to see purple used in Easter decorations than in Christmas decorations. This is because purple is associated with Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and prayer that leads up to Easter.
Pink
Pink is not a traditional Christmas colour, but it does have some important symbolism. In the Christian tradition, pink is often seen as a symbol of hope and joy. This is likely because pink is the colour of roses, which are often used to represent these things.
Pink is also sometimes seen as a symbol of romance, which may be why it’s often used in Valentine’s Day decorations.
Gold
Gold is another colour with important symbolism. In the Christian tradition, gold is often seen as a symbol of royalty (as are purple and blue). This is because gold was once a very expensive metal and was therefore associated with wealth and power.
Today, gold is still seen as a symbol of wealth and power, but it’s also associated with Christmas thanks to the popular image of Santa Claus wearing a red suit with gold trim.
Silver
Silver is another colour with important symbolism. In the Christian tradition, silver is often seen as a symbol of purity (as is white). This is because silver was once a very expensive metal and was therefore associated with wealth and power.
Today, silver is still seen as a symbol of wealth and power, but it’s also associated with Christmas thanks to the popular image of Santa Claus wearing a red suit with gold trim.
Black
Black is not a traditional Christmas colour, but it does have some important symbolism. In the Christian tradition, black is often seen as a symbol of sin (as are red and green). This is because black was once associated with evil and darkness.
Today, black is still seen as a symbol of evil and darkness, but it’s also associated with Christmas thanks to the popular image of Santa Claus wearing a black suit with white trim.
Popular colour combinations
This year, why not try something different and go for a non-traditional colour scheme? Here are some popular colour combinations that you might want to consider.
Black and white
The black and white combination is a classic that never goes out of style. This colour scheme is often seen in Christmas decorations because it’s elegant and easy to coordinate.
Even though black and white are not traditional Christmas colours, they can still be used to create a festive look. For example, you could try using black and white ribbon to decorate your tree, or you could use white lights with black paper snowflakes.
Gold and silver
The gold and silver combination is another classic that never goes out of style. This colour scheme is often seen in Christmas decorations because it’s elegant and easy to coordinate.
Although gold and silver are not traditional Christmas colours, they can still be used to create a festive look. For example, you could try using gold and silver ribbon to decorate your tree, or you could use silver lights with gold paper snowflakes.
Red and green
The red and green combination is the most traditional Christmas colour scheme. This colour scheme is often seen in Christmas decorations because it’s easy tocoordinate and it’s associated with the holiday.
If you want to use the red and green colour scheme in your decorations, there are many ways to do it. For example, you could try using red and green ribbon to decorate your tree, or you could use green lights with red paper snowflakes.
Purple and pink
The purple and pink combination is a popular choice for Christmas decorations because it’s pretty and festive. This colour scheme is often seen in decorations that are meant for girls or young women.
If you want to use the purple and pink colour scheme in your decorations, there are many ways to do it. For example, you could try using purple and pink ribbon to decorate your tree, or you could use pink lights with purple paper snowflakes.
Blue and white
The blue and white combination is a popular choice for Christmas decorations because it’s pretty and festive. This colour scheme is often seen in decorations that are meant for boys or young men.
If you want to use the blue and white colour scheme in your decorations, there are many ways to do it. For example, you could try using blue and white ribbon to decorate your tree, or you could use white lights with blue paper snowflakes.
Christmas decoration ideas
If you’re looking for some Christmas decoration ideas, here are a few that you might want to try.
Ribbon is a popular choice for Christmas decorations because it’s easy to use and it comes in a variety of colours. If you want to use ribbon in your decorations, there are many ways to do it. For example, you could try using ribbon to decorate your tree, or you could use ribbon to make garlands.
Lights are another popular choice for Christmas decorations because they’re easy to use and they come in a variety of colours. If you want to use lights in your decorations, there are many ways to do it. For example, you could try using lights to decorate your tree, or you could use lights to make garlands.
Paper snowflakes are a popular choice for Christmas decorations because they’re easy to make and they look pretty. If you want to use paper snowflakes in your decorations, there are many ways to do it. For example, you could try using paper snowflakes to decorate your tree, or you could use paper snowflakes to make garlands.
Conclusion
There are many different colours that can be used for Christmas decorations. The most popular colour schemes are red and green, gold and silver, and purple and pink. However, there are many other colour schemes that can be used to create a festive look.
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