Christmas decorations have evolved from various cultures. No matter where you live, the mention of holly, mistletoe, or ivy conjures up visions of Christmas Sugar Plums, flying reindeer, and fat little elves in red suits. These winter treasures fill up the dark days of winter with light and wonder.
But you probably wonder where these traditions come from?
Mistletoe -
Hanging the Mistletoe over the doorway invites lovers and passersby to stop for a kiss, spawning many a romance. How could one resist a moment of bliss under the mistletoe? This tradition comes from the Norse Myths. Frigga, one of the gods, gave her son Balder mistletoe to protect him from the elements. Mistletoe, grown only on trees, held the power to harm him. Another god struck Balder down with an arrow made of Mistletoe. Balder's mother cried tears of white berries and brought her son back to life. She vowed to kiss anyone resting beneath the Mistletoe, a parasite plant the grows in trees and ultimately kills the tree. The Mistletoe kissing tradition was thus begun.
Holly -
Believed to have magical powers that drove away demons was considered good luck by the Germans against the hostile forces of nature. Wreaths and garlands of ivy and holly were left up through the winter season to protect the home from illness, bad fortune, and other dilemmas that may have struck during the dark days of winter.
Foods -
Also popular for decorating, foods such as cookies, candies and sugared fruits adorn kitchens, doorways, and other public rooms of homes in the early centuries. Many decorations came from the fields, implying abundance and wealth to those who used them for holiday decorations. As far back as the 1500's the custom of decorating households, churches, and communities with holly, ivy, bays and affordable seasonal greens was popular. When city light poles became standard, decorations began to extend outside.
Beads & Ribbon -
Knotted ribbons and beads became popular. Homemade ornaments followed quickly with nuts, seeds, berries, and popcorn being strung late in the 1800's. Christmas decorations of glass and silver tinsel became popular in the early 1900's when German Christmas Ornaments began being shipped to the United States. Paper decorator items and homemade decorations have always been a popular addition to American Folklore.
Decking the halls can be an extremely comforting part of home and family traditions.
You may be thinking of making or printing Christmas Decorations. There are many locations you can find decorations online, or some may be available to you as gifts. Please Click on this link http://billclarkedbaplus.com/santa.htm for a FREE subscription to the 12 Days of Christmas, and accept our gifts of decorations, cards, and other delightful printables, online.
If you're looking for more family traditions, ideas, and concepts visit Jan Verhoeff at http://janverhoeff.com for home grown comfort and traditions.
Source: www.ezinearticles.com