Upside Down Christmas Tree: Symbolism

Ever wondered why we install Christmas trees in our homes during the festival?Orhow the tradition came into existence? Very few of us think in so much detail; and instead continue to follow what has been followed for hundreds of years. For the sake of your curiosity, let’s find out how the traditional tree became popular around the world.

How the Christmas tree came into existence?

It has been found that fir tree was used as a symbol of Christianity. There is a legend that explainsthe genesis of fir tree as a symbol of the religion. In the 7th century a priest from Crediton, Devonshire, visited Germany for teaching people Christian values. He spent a lot of time in Thuringia in the country. While teaching people about the Christians values he used the triangular shaped fir trees as a symbol for the Holy Trinity of the God, Son and the Holy Spirit. This is how people started installing the tree in their homes in upside manner so that it is not mistaken for a floral decoration.

How did the meaning of the symbol changeover time?

The Holy trinity significance was lost overtime. The next substantial record of use of the tree is noted in the 16^thcentury Germany. During this time people used fir trees in upright manner instead of the upside down way. Since them people started installing the tree in this way. 

Happy Halloween Art!

Halloween to the American youth is about partying, wearing scary masks and enjoying night outs. But how many really know the real significance of the day? Though it’ll be unfair to make a generalized statement in most cases the young aren't aware of the true meaning of Halloween. The Internet however is the greatest boon ever! There is so much information out there that it becomes easier for people to read more about the true meaning of these holidays. There is loads of free Halloween clipart online that you can take print outs of or use as inspiration for theme parties.

Some of these cute Halloween clipart tell interesting stories and tales that inspire the young with new ideas and concepts. Instead of watching horror movies people can organize plays and musicals to celebrate the ‘All Saints Day’.

The day is observed to respect all the departed souls that were at some point of time a part of our lives. Ancient celtic priests believed that the ghosts of the departed would come down on Earth on this day. Instead of watching horror movies or playing pranks on others Halloween should be treated as an occasion to remember departed souls and pray for them. 

Upside Down Christmas Tree Origin

Many may be surprised to learn that Christmas tree was initially meant to be installed in upside down manner than the more popular upright manner.

Birth of Christmas tree

According to are search it has been found that the custom of Christmas may have been born in the 7^th century in Germany. This is a legend that is often mentioned to justify the claim. According to the story a priest from Creditor, Devon shire visited Germany for teaching the word of God to the locals. While giving sermon the priest used a fir tree for explaining people the Holy Trinity of God, Son and the Holy Spirit. Therefore Germans who were earlier worshiping oak now started worship fir as the symbol of God. They started installing these trees in their homes as mark of respect for God.The tree was installed in upside down manner that it is not mistaken for a floral installation.

Popularity of upside down Christmas tree

After its birth in the 7^th century, the upside down Christmas tree started becoming popular outside Germany as well. By the 12^th century the tradition was picked up in most parts of the central Europe. Over the time people started installing the tree in the upright manner. 

Upside Down Christmas Tree

Christmas is celebrated with lot of customs and traditions. Installation of Christmas trees is one of the oldest and most popular traditions of the festival. Though fir trees are popularly installed in upright fashion these days, this was not the custom when it all started more than 1000 years ago.

Christmas tree: Sacred symbol of Christianity

Christmas trees were primarily revered as a symbol of Christianity. The triangular shape of free trees signified the trinity of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. During those times the trees were installed in a corner of people’s home in upside down manner from the ceiling. People chose to hang the trees in the awkward style to differentiate them from floral decorations.decorations. Notm any people are aware of the fact and therefore you can find a lot of people believing that such installations are product of modern creative thinking process.Indeed the history of Christmas tree is quite fascinating. 

Christmas tree: A secular symbol of merrymaking

Now Christmas trees are seen more as secular symbol of merrymaking during the festive season than a symbol of merrymaking. With growing popularity of the festival the tradition is getting more popular across the world. This is there is no strict guidelines that people while installing the trees at their homes.

Use acrostic poems for Christmas greetings

Acrostic poem is an amazing way of celebrating the spirit of Christmas. This poem style is different from other types of poems. The first word in every line of this type of poems begins with such a word that when all the initial alphabets are arranged from upside down they will form a meaning word or term. These poems are also a great way greeting friends and relatives. Here are some simple yet beautiful composed poems that you may use for greeting your dear ones.

Christmas Day

C... Christ is being born on Christmas Day.

H...He will bring love and joy to the world.

R...Remember to honor Him this day.

I...Imagine Him in the Manger.

S...So many years ago it happened on a cold day.

T...Today He will bring us blessings.

M...May you open to Him your heart.

A...Always and forever praise Him.

S...Spread His cheer everywhere.

D...Don't stay away from Him.

A...Always worship in His name.

Y...You won't regret it, don't be ashamed.

Note- The poem is written by Lucilla M.Carrillo is a simple composition that recreates a typical Nativity Scene. The poem also teaches us to worship Jesus. 

On That First Christmas, Love Came Down

Christ is born

He's in the manger

Reigning from His humble stall

Immanuel, come to redeem us

Salvation, here for one and all

Tenderly his mother holds him

Men will seek the newborn King

Angels praise the God of glory

Shepherds, wise men, gifts to bring

Love from Heaven shines now on us

Over hill and valley bright

Victory's song rings through the ages

Ever since that blessed night

Note- This poem has two stanzas- first one describes Nativity Scene while the second one tells us how the love and blessings are bestowed on us from the Heaven.

You can also write an original piece yourself. Try to make it simple yet interesting

Christmas Plays for Church

One has to visit a church during yuletide season to truly understand the many traditions and customs that revolve around Christmas. We do live in a secular day and age, where Christmas has taken on an all inclusive feel and vibe however there is no denying that this festival is fundamentally a Christian festival celebrated in countries with a Christian majority around the world. To truly understand the ethos of yuletide season, it is best to sit through a Christmas play performed in a church.

The usual theme for Christmas plays for church revolve around the birth of Christ and other Christians values such as faith, hope and charity. Whilst one may be more secular in nature and may choose to take the Christian gospel lightly, values such as hope, faith and charity towards all mankind have a universal appeal and are of much importance. These plays performed in churches during yuletide season espouse these values with much creativity and ingenuity. Common Christmas play performed in churches are A Christmas Carol which is based on the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens or the Nativity play which is a reenactment of the events surrounding the birth of Christ.      

Christmas Plays For Small Churches

What is community X Mas celebration without musicals and plays? Almost every local community goes out of the way to put up some form of entertainment for the congregation. Children generally are the key audience of these community functions. They are a great way of bringing people together. Enjoying together is a great way to bond.

Larger churches and communities organize lavish programs, smaller and poorer communities are not be outdone. Especially with the kind of digital exposure that we have today, we can easily choose from a variety of Christmas plays for small Churches. All that is required is focus, concentration and great organization skills.

Most of these plays are easy to perform. They hardly require fancy props and nor do you have to spend a packet on costumes, advertising and so on.

Some interesting plays:

The Heavenly Express – this short play describes how most of us can get to heaven.

Cover to Cover – is a short skit that targets teenagers. It’s about reading the Bible and applying it to our daily existence.

Wake Up! The Harvest is Ready! – yet another short and easy representation that speaks about applying the Gospel to our everyday lives.