{"id":194126,"date":"2018-12-25T06:00:12","date_gmt":"2018-12-25T04:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=194126"},"modified":"2018-12-24T13:00:44","modified_gmt":"2018-12-24T11:00:44","slug":"christmas-decorations-symbolise-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2018\/12\/25\/christmas-decorations-symbolise-3\/","title":{"rendered":"What do Christmas decorations symbolise?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Holly and ivy, Christmas crackers and trees and Santa Claus are synonymous with Christmas, here\u2019s a look why.<\/p>\n

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  1. Christmas stockings \u2013 This tradition is based on a story from the 1800\u2019s, when the father of three young maidens could not afford a dowry for his daughters to be married. From his castle, St Nicholas heard of the poor misfortune of the maidens and secretly threw a bag of coins down their chimney. It is said that the gold coins landed in the girl\u2019s stockings that were hanging in the fireplace to dry.<\/li>\n
  2. Christmas crackers \u2013 These originally were manufactured in London by a confectioner who drew inspiration from Paris, China and a fire to produce the much-loved Christmas cracker, which was originally a lollypop. The Christmas cracker we have today was perfected by the 1900s.<\/li>\n
  3. Holly \u2013 Because of its shiny leaves and red berries, which retained their colours throughout the year, holly became a popular because of its aesthetics. It is used in wreaths to decorate homes during Christmas time.<\/li>\n
  4. Santa Claus \u2013 Is based on the Patron St Nicholas who is known for his acts of generosity and kindness. In Holland he became known as \u201cSinter Klaas.\u201d During the 18th and 19th century, the big smiling white-bearded man became synonymous with Christmas around the world.<\/li>\n
  5. Angel at the top of the Christmas tree \u2013 The fairy at the top of the Christmas tree was originally a little figure of baby Jesus. This later was adapted into an angel and in some countries a fairy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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