There are many interesting and enjoyable icons and symbols that are associated with Christmas. Read on for a great lesson idea.
The Holiday Calendar and Tree
The following symbols can be used for discussion or with a holiday calendar. To make this calendar, mount envelopes that are numbered from 1 to 25 on a bulletin board. In each envelope, place a picture or small replica of one of the symbols below. Include a statement about the significance of this symbol. On the same bulletin board or on a wall, make a large Christmas tree from construction paper or felt which will become adorned with all the symbolic pictures.
Starting on December 1st, one student removes the picture from the envelope numbered 1 and places it on the tree. The child then reads the statement about the symbol and leads a discussion. Continue until December 25 (or until the day when school is dismissed for the holidays).
The Symbols of Christ
Pictures of these symbols are best found in a children's Bible or story book.
Xmas: This abbreviation is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as an abbreviation form of the word.
Nativity Scenes: A model of the manger where Christ was born. St. Francis of Assisi started this custom. After returning from a trip to Bethlehem, he wanted to dramatize the story of Christ’s birth for his fellow friars. He set up a hay filled manger and had people portraying Mary and Joseph. A wax figure was used for the Christ Child. The manger scene is also called a Creche.
Wise Men: Three men came to see Jesus bearing their best gifts: frankincense (a resin from a rare tree used as incense), gold, a precious metal associated with the power of kings, and myrrh (a resin from a shrub used in making perfume.)
Jesus: Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birthday.
Manger: This is the place where Baby Jesus slept.
The Symbols of Santa Claus
Children are usually familiar with these symbols. They can be found in magazines, coloring books, or can be hand-drawn.
Santa Claus: He was noted for his generosity and kindness to children and the poor. Traditionally, St. Nicholas was pictured as a bearded man in bishop’s robes. The modern Santa Claus arose during the 19th century as a jolly, bearded, red-suited man. His character is well described by Clement Moore’s poem, A Visit From St. Nicholas.
Stockings: St. Nicolas heard of a poor family he wanted to help, so he tossed gold down their chimney. It fell into a stocking that was hung there to dry. St. Nicolas like to help people, however, liked to remain anonymous.
Reindeer: This animal chosen by St. Nick to pull his sleigh.
Symbols of Christmas Food
Pictures of Christmas food are easily found in cookbooks or cooking magazines.
Christmas Cookies: Cookies originated with pre-Christian Romans who gave sweet cakes to their senators.
Plum Pudding: An English King who was stranded in a blizzard on Christmas Eve first made plum pudding. He wanted a special dish, so he mixed all the edibles he had together to prepare this treat.
Wassail: It is a mixture of mulled eggs, cream, apples, nuts and spices. It was served in a punch bowl with much ceremony as people exchanged Christmas greetings.
Mince Pie: This pie full of spices and fruits represents the choice and exotic treasures of the East.
The Symbols of Christmas Greenery
The Christmas season is full of foliage of red and green. Pictures can be found in magazines or catalogs.
Christmas Trees: These were thought to have originated in Germany. The evergreen is known as a promise of spring to come and everlasting life.
Poinsettia: This flower was brought to the United States by Dr. Poinsett, first minister to Mexico. It’s a type of weed that grows wild in the country of Mexico.
Holly: This shrub with clusters of red berries and stiff, glossy, sharp pointed leaves is a favorite during Christmas. Early French and English people hung it over the door indicating a home in which Christ abided.
Wreath: Its circle shape shows that, just like love, it has no end and never stops.
Advent Wreath: Four candles are placed on a green wreath. One candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas in anticipation of the arrival of Christ.
Traditional Symbols of Christmas
Pictures of these symbols can be found in magazines or catalogs, however, using the object in real form is best for some.
Gift exchanging: This custom was influenced by the story of the Magi (Three Kings), who brought gifts to the Christ Child.
Christmas Cards: In 1843, Sir Henry Cole had artist John Horsley design a card especially for Christmas. One thousand copies were printed, and the custom of sending printed cards began.
Christmas Carols: Caroling comes from the Italian carolare, a medieval custom of singing and dancing around the Christmas tree. It's a very old custom that developed in England during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Christmas Tree Lights: Candles became the traditional decorations of these trees, used to symbolize Christ as the "light of the world." Lights also represent the stars.
Christmas Seals: These first originated in Denmark in 1904. Einar Holboell, a Danish postal clerk, thought of the idea as a means of raising money for a new children's hospital. This venture became successful and spread to other countries.
Icicles: The Christ Child’s shelter was under a pine tree. When the tree realized it was caring for the Christ Child, tears of happiness fell from its branches. They froze into icicles. Modern day tree icicles are either made of tinsel or ornaments shaped like frozen icicles.
Bells: Church bells rang to announce the coming of Jesus.
Star: The Star of Bethlehem guided the Wise Men to Baby Jesus.
Use this lesson idea as a fun way to teach the children about Christmas symbols and their meanings. It's a fun activity to add to the spirit of the holiday.
Reference:
Christmas: Celebrating the Christian History of American Symbols, Songs, & Stories [Angie Mosteller [Celebrating Holidays Publishing; 2008]
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Tania Cowling - Tania Kourempis Cowling is a former early childhood teacher, a published author of three teacher resource books (Shake, Tap, and Play a ...
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