Christmas Colours

[Darkmoon]

Why are red and green the colours of Christmas?

[xyzzyplugh]

Not just red and green though; Father Christmas is Read and White but he used to be green till 1932('ish) when Coca Cola Claimed him as their new marketing tool and ever since he's been red and white.

[Andromeda]

Christmas replaced the pagan festival of Yule, celebrating midwinter or the beginning of the lengthening of days (currently Dec. 21st). In taking the festival over Christmas took over a lot of the symbolism. The green of the evergreen symbolising that life goes on even in the depth of winter - hope. The red of the holly berry and the white of the mistletoe symbolise the essence of life in both the female and the male. In Christian terms the meanings are slightly different:

red - Christ's blood shed for our sin on the cross.

green - Eternal life in Christ.

white - The purity of Christ.

Silver and gold can also said to be used symbolically at Christmas and they symbolise in Christianity

gold - Christ the Divine and

silver - Redemption in Christ (Matt. 27:3-9)

I am sure there are other interpretations on this though.

Andy

[Cathy]

Sorry, xyzzy, but the story about Father Christmas and Coke isn't true. There's more info about that story at http://www.snopes.com/cokelore/santa.asp

[Obo]

Was about to post the same link Cathy... great site, but only if you've got nothing planned for the next 2 days!

[xyzzyplugh]

Well, fancy me falling for that one.Thanx for link Cathy.