Christmas colors are most commonly thought of to be red and green, however other colors like white, silver, gold, and blue are also associated with Christmas, traditionally speaking. Today, we at McKay’s Painting would like to elaborate on how these colors become linked to Christmas.
Meaning of Green as a Christmas Color
Even before Christmas was celebrated; the evergreen plants have been widely used throughout the centuries and is why green is primarily used with Christmas. During the long winter months, mistletoe, holly, and ivy have been especially used to adorn the dark drab buildings. To withstand the freezing weather, hanging these beauties was a reminder that spring isn’t too far off and would give the people a much-needed boost. As a wish for good luck, the Romans would exchange evergreen branches in January. Since the majority of the people were unable to read for themselves, Paradise plays were joyfully performed on Christmas Eve, relating many Bible’s stories across various parts of Europe during the middle ages. The Paradise Tree was designed with a pine tree with red apples hanging from the branches, for the Garden of Eden rendition. Along with our Christmas Trees, Holly and Mistletoe continue to be enjoyed in association with green with Christmas.
Christmas Red Color
The red fallen apples represent the fall of Adam, which comes from the Paradise Tree reenactment. Also, commonly associated Christmas, the Holly berries are also red. Finally, the red represents the blood spilled from Christ during the crucifixion, which is most important for the religious aspects.
Gold & Silver Christmas Colors
Many Christians impose gold within the traditional colors at Christmas time, since experts believe is because one of the Wise Men used gold as a gift for baby Jesus. A deeper meaning for gold is attributed to the faction of light illuminated Star the Wise Men used to locate the baby Jesus or the glow from the sun. Feeding the people with hope and guidance in the darkness, Jesus is the light. To represent the treasures past around at Christmas time as a symbol of love and respect, gold and silver is implemented in the Christmas theme.
Christmas White Color
In dozens of cultures, white symbolizes peace and purity. Winter also distributes white snow. White wafers where also placed upon the branches to signify the bread eaten at the Last Supper to symbolize Christ’s body, along with the apple used to decorate the Paradise Trees for the plays. To remember the sacrifice Jesus did for the people, these wafers are continued to be eaten in many Christian faiths. Being that white is often seen with religious ceremonies and décor, it is frequently incorporated in Christmas themes.
Why is Blue a Christmas Color?
Traditionally used in Mary’s robes, blue is meaningful since the blue was a luxury expense during the Medieval period. The illustrious blue-colored clothing is only afforded to the royalty and upper-class nobles. Mary is usually wrapped in blue to emphasize Mary’s importance and her role. Today, blue is often associated with Christmas décor as a symbol of heaven, being the color of the sky.
Interior & Exterior Painting Services & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
There are many are attracted to these colors for other reasons besides being associated with Christmas, and whether you want these colors, or other colors painted on the exterior or interior of your California home, McKay’s Painting is happy to oblige. Call us for all your painting related needs.
