The History Behind Popular Christmas Symbols

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, filled with sparkling decorations, familiar traditions, and beloved symbols. But how often do we stop to ask where these symbols actually came from? Many of the items we place around our homes — the Christmas tree, the wreath on the door, the star on top of the tree, the candy canes hanging from branches — each has a fascinating story rooted in history, culture, religion, and folklore. Understanding their origins not only adds meaning to the season but helps us appreciate just how rich and diverse Christmas traditions truly are.

Here’s a look at the history behind the most popular Christmas symbols and why they have become such an important part of holiday celebrations around the globe.

🎄 The Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is one of the most recognizable symbols of the season. Its origins go back thousands of years — long before Christmas existed. Ancient Egyptians, Celts, and Vikings used evergreen plants during winter to symbolise eternal life and protection. In the Middle Ages, Germans began decorating “paradise trees” with apples to represent the Garden of Eden.

By the 16th century, German Christians had adopted decorated evergreens as Christmas trees. Legend credits Martin Luther with adding the first lights when he placed candles on a tree to recreate the beauty of the stars shining above snow-covered trees. The tradition spread across Europe and eventually reached England, becoming popular when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were pictured around a decorated Christmas tree in the 1840s. From there, the trend travelled across the world — and now, Christmas wouldn’t feel complete without one.

⭐ The Christmas Star

The star placed at the top of most Christmas trees symbolises the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story. According to tradition, the star guided the Wise Men to the place where Jesus was born. Beyond religion, stars have long symbolised hope, guidance, and wonder.

During the Victorian era, families began placing stars on trees as a way to bring meaning to their decorations. Later came mass-produced tree toppers, and the star became a centrepiece of Christmas decor — representing faith for some, and the light of the season for others.

✉️ Christmas Cards

Christmas cards began in England in the 1840s when Sir Henry Cole wanted a simple way to send holiday greetings. He commissioned an artist to design the first printed card, which he sold for a shilling each. The idea quickly spread, becoming a heartfelt tradition of sharing wishes and staying connected.

Today, cards often feature Christmas symbols — wreaths, holly, angels, stars — and serve as a reminder of the importance of kindness and connection.

🧦 Christmas Stockings

The tradition of hanging stockings comes from a legend about Saint Nicholas. According to the story, a poor man had three daughters but no money for their dowries. Hearing of the family’s struggle, St Nicholas secretly dropped bags of coins down the chimney, where they landed inside the daughters’ stockings drying by the fire.

Over time, children began leaving stockings out in hopes of receiving small gifts. This grew into the modern tradition of filling stockings with toys, sweets, and practical treats.

🍬 Candy Canes

Candy canes are a festive favourite, but their history blends fact and folklore. A common tale claims that in 17th-century Germany, a choirmaster bent sugar sticks to resemble shepherds’ crooks to keep children quiet during church services. Whether or not this is true, candy canes did appear in Europe around this time.

By the 20th century, the red-and-white striped version became standard. Many people associate colours with symbolism — white for purity, red for sacrifice — though this interpretation developed much later. The one thing certain is that candy canes have become a delicious and decorative Christmas staple.

🎁 Christmas Gifts

Gift-giving has deep roots in Christmas tradition. In Christianity, it reflects the gifts given to Jesus by the Wise Men — gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But the act of giving during winter is even older, linking back to ancient pagan festivals where people exchanged small tokens to welcome the return of light after the solstice.

Today, Christmas gifts symbolise love, generosity, and gratitude. The modern custom of Santa delivering gifts grew from stories of Saint Nicholas, a kind bishop known for helping those in need.

🎅 Santa Claus

Santa Claus has evolved from a mix of historical and mythical figures. The most notable is Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop known for kindness and secret generosity. Dutch settlers brought the story of “Sinterklaas” to America, where it eventually merged with local folklore to create Santa Claus.

The modern image of Santa — red suit, white beard, round belly — was popularised in the 1800s through poems and illustrations, especially the poem A Visit from St Nicholas (’Twas the Night Before Christmas). Today, Santa is a joyful symbol of giving and childhood wonder.

🔔 Christmas Bells

Bells have long been used in celebrations and ceremonies. In Christian tradition, bells rang on Christmas morning to announce the birth of Jesus. Pagan cultures also used bells to celebrate winter solstice, believing they helped ward off darkness.

Today, jingle bells, church bells, and decorative bell ornaments all represent joy, announcement, and celebration — adding cheer to songs, décor, and festive greetings.

❄️ Snowflakes

Snowflakes became a Christmas symbol thanks to the influence of northern European and American traditions, where snowy winters are common. They represent purity, individuality, and the beauty of nature, as no two snowflakes are exactly alike.

Even in warm climates, snowflakes decorate wrapping paper, ornaments, and greeting cards — symbolising the magic and calm of the season.

🌿 Holly, Ivy & Mistletoe

Long before Christmas, holly and ivy were used in winter celebrations as symbols of protection and eternal life. Evergreen plants reminded ancient cultures that spring would return again. Christians later adopted holly as a Christmas symbol, its red berries representing joy and its sharp leaves symbolising resilience.

Mistletoe, celebrated by Druids for its healing properties, later gained its romantic reputation from Victorian customs that encouraged couples to kiss beneath it for good luck.

🕯️ Christmas Candles

Candles have been used for centuries to bring warmth and light during the darkest time of the year. In Christian tradition, they symbolise hope and the light of Christ. Families often placed candles in windows to guide travellers or welcome loved ones home.

Today, candles — both real and LED — add cosy ambiance and represent the comforting glow of the holiday season.

The symbols we use at Christmas are more than just decorations — they carry histories shaped by ancient traditions, religious meaning, folklore, and family customs passed down through generations. Understanding where these symbols come from adds depth to the joy we experience each December. Whether you celebrate for religious, cultural, or simply festive reasons, these symbols connect us to a long history of hope, togetherness, and shared celebration.

Christmas isn’t just about décor — it’s about the stories we tell, the traditions we keep, and the meaning we give to the season.