The colors that are traditionally associated with Christmas are green, red, white, gold and silver. These colors hold symbolic meaning and remind us of different aspects of the Christmas season and holiday. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of the five main Christmas colors and explore their origins and significance.
Red
Red is perhaps the most iconic and popular Christmas color. It represents love, warmth and comfort – all central themes of Christmas. The color red is commonly used in Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, cards and clothing.
The association of red with Christmas comes from different sources:
– Santa Claus’s red suit – The modern Santa Claus is depicted wearing a red suit with white trim. This imagery dates back to the 1930s when Coca Cola launched an advertising campaign portraying Santa in these colors. The red suit has now become Santa’s signature look.
– Poinsettia flowers – The red leaves of poinsettia plants have made them a popular Christmas flower. They are native to Central America and were brought to the US in the 19th century by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US Minister to Mexico.
– Holly berries – Holly plants with their glossy, pointy green leaves and bright red berries are commonly used in Christmas wreaths and decorations. The red berries provide a festive pop of color.
– The apples on a Christmas tree – Many Christmas trees are decorated with red, apple-shaped ornaments which hark back to the Paradise Tree representing the Garden of Eden.
So red conjures up imagery of Santa Claus, beautiful poinsettias and holly, roaring fireplaces and lush Christmas trees – nostalgic symbols of Christmas.
Green
Green is commonly associated with nature, renewal and life. In the Christmas context, green represents the continuous life cycle and the Christian ideas of rebirth and eternal life. The key associations of the color green are:
– Evergreen trees – Evergreens like pine, spruce and fir trees remain green throughout the year and symbolize everlasting life. Christmas trees are traditionally evergreens.
– Holly plants – Along with their red berries, holly plants also have lush green foliage. The sharp, pointed leaves represent the crown of thorns from the Passion of Jesus.
– Green Christmas wreaths – Christmas wreaths made of evergreen branches and holly represent continuity during the long winter months.
So the verdant green color echoes the theme of renewal and life during the holiday season. It also reminds us of the green forests where Christmas trees come from.
Gold
The glittering color gold represents wealth, royalty and prosperity. In a symbolic sense, gold refers to the immense riches and the kingdom of God. Here are the key links between gold and Christmas:
– Gift of the Magi – Biblical story of three wise men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the infant Jesus.
– Golden crowns, halos and scepters – Representations of Jesus and the holy family often show them wearing golden crowns and holding golden scepters.
– Golden Christmas star – The star at the top of the Christmas tree represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three kings to baby Jesus.
So gold symbolizes the importance of Christmas as the birthday of Jesus, our holy savior and king. The opulence of gold signifies honor and divinity.
White
The pure color white represents holiness, humility and virtue. Its key Christmas associations are:
– Snow – White snow covering the ground at Christmas time has become a romanticized image. Christmas cards often show picturesque snow-covered landscapes.
| Color | Meaning |
| Red | Love, warmth, Santa Claus |
| Green | Life, rebirth, evergreen trees |
| Gold | Wealth, royalty, Magi’s gifts |
| White | Purity, snow, angels |
| Silver | Sparkle, bells, tinsel |
– Angels – Angels, messengers of God, are always depicted in flowing white robes. An angel appearing on the top of a Christmas tree is a common decorative piece.
– White doves – In many illustrations, a white dove is perched on the infant Jesus’ crib, symbolizing purity and peace.
So white represents the sanctity of Christmas as the holy birthday of Jesus Christ celebrated by singing hymns and carols in praise.
Silver
Silver is the color of sparkle and shine. The association of silver with Christmas comes from:
– Tinsel – Shiny, silver tinsel is used to decorate Christmas trees. The glittery strips of tinsel add sparkle and create a magical, dreamy effect.
– Silver bells – Silver bells are a popular Christmas decoration. The Christmas carol “Jingle Bells” opens with the line “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.”
– Silver star – Along with gold, silver stars are also used to top Christmas trees, representing the nativity Star of Bethlehem.
– Silver Christmas baubles – Silver Christmas tree ornaments add a sheen and luster to the decorated Christmas tree.
So silver introduces sparkle, sound and light to the Christmas setting. The shininess represents joyfulness and mirth during this festival.
Conclusion
Christmas colors such as red, green, gold, white and silver have special symbolism and meaning. They add to the magic and nostalgia of Christmas through their connections to traditional decorations, plants, foods, biblical stories and folk tales. Displays of these classic Christmas colors evoke the warmth, cheer and faith so characteristic of the Christmas spirit. Their rich meanings represent love, life, light and faith – sentiments that lie at the heart of the Christmas holiday celebration.
