Don’t you just love Christmas colors? Do you ever wonder how red and green became synonymous with Christmas and why we deck everything out in these colors? Why Are Red and Green Christmas Colors?
GREEN
Most of the European Christmas traditions and customs were established to survive cold and dark winters. Evergreen plants like Ivy and Mistletoe were used to brighten up buildings and homes throughout the long winter. Their green branches give off a scent that helped to freshen up and enliven the atmoshere. Romans exchanged evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. Ancient Egyptians brought palm branches into their homes during mid winter festivals and pine trees with red apples were given out during the middle ages at Paradise plays. Green symbolizes the hope for eternal life that Jesus offers which is exemplified by our use of Evergreens as Christmas trees.
RED
An early use of red at Christmas was in the 14 century when apples were placed on Paradise trees in church plays representing the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Red is also the color of Holly berries, which are said to represent the blood of Jesus. The Bishop’s robe is red and ultimately became the color of Santa’s uniform. Most Christmas decorations and ornaments contain some red.
Other Christmas Colors ?
The Christmas colors of red and green are here to stay. We instantly associate them with Christmas, yet some like to add additional colors; white for purity, gold for sun and light,or the star that led the wise men to baby Jesus, red and gold for fire and warmth, silver as tinsel, blue for showing someone’s importance, like Mary, or the color of sky and heaven.
Around the world the colors of Christmas are displayed and celebrated. In fact, there are even shows titled “Colors of Christmas”. So decorate, wrap, trim and enjoy the color traditions established throughout time.
Have a wonderful warm holiday season in the way you traditionally celebrate the holiday, be it Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza or Solstice.
Comments 27
Actually, I had never thought about where the red and green came from. It’s interesting and makes a lot of sense. I do like to use other colors as well.
Hi Roslyn, thanks for the info. The red for the apples seemed strange, but the holly berries made more sense. I’ll be the hit of the cocktail parties with my new knowledge. Thanks.
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Patty Kogetek, I should have checked out my research with you. Enjoy your parties.
I never heard of this..very interesting, thank you for sharing:)
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Tea, Glad I cam up with new content.
That’s neat! I never wondered where the red and greens came from. I love gold with red during the holiday season. Something about that combination and I can’t figure it out.
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Oh Lumbie, Gold and Red combo is so regal- like a royal crown that belongs on top of your head.
Interesting post. I never knew the origination of the Christmas colors. Very interesting 🙂
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Yes Mike, I found it interesting as well.
I love learning new things! Thank you for sharing this info and brightening my day 🙂
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You are welcome Erin, I learn too as I do the research.
Very informative post! It’s always great to learn the reasons behind traditions and now even colors! 🙂
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Theresa Wilkins, Glad you liked the theme as many of my blogs are about history or colors or whatever relates to jewelry, fashion and interests of women.
I had never really thought much about the colors and where they derived. You always share such great history! I enjoy these festive colors.
Thanks for sharing the history of the Christmas colours! It is always great to learn the reason behind something. Great post!
Interesting post, who knew there was so much to say about colours and where they came from. I personally much prefer the reds over the greens 🙂
Interesting post Rosyln. Never knew why Red and Green became synonymous with Christmas. I do now 🙂
Very informative, article!
I love Christmas colors, and I love the aroma, too. Each person who comes into our shop I walk into our back cooler so they can Smell Christmas! Thanks for telling us about the colors! You are amazing!
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I too love the excitement around the holiday. I like looking at artfully decorated homes, some of the music and all the good things associated with the holiday.
I always love your little historical tidbits. Now, I wonder where kissing under the mistletoe came from!
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Holly Jean, That is a great topic for a blog. I have next few weeks laid out, but I’ll file this question away for next year. if I dont work it in to one over remaining holiday weeks.
I had always heard that red came from Coca Cola’s branding of Santa Claus! I like your version a lot better 🙂 Color is the essence of life (can you tell I’m a graphic artist?) Love it, thanks!
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Nice to have your comments Barbara Larkins. From time to time my blogs are about color, or history, fashion, gemstones, our inspiration.
I had never stopped to think about the red and greed association with Christmas. It was something I just take for granted. Although when I married my husband I adopted his tradition of trimming the tree all in blue. It was a shift for me because my childhood Christmas tree was always multicolored but now I have become used to a blue trimmed tree – it is interesting how traditions start. But despite the blue trimmed tree – I do still associate red and green with Christmas
Roslyn, I had no idea why we use red and green as Christmas colors. Thank you for sharing this!
I do like Christmas but never been a huge fan of red and green… though there are some really pretty decorations and trees when folks do it right