A lovely tradition from Germany is the Bride's Tree. It is believed that a married couple's Christmas tree needs 12 specific ornaments for happiness in their life journey together. These ornaments are often given as a wedding gift or a Christmas gift for the newlyweds.
The Ornaments' Symbolism
Each ornament symbolizes a different hope or blessing for the new couple.
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HOUSE: Pretty much self-explanatory, a house represents a family's shelter or protection.
FISH: A fish, symbolic of Jesus Christ, represents Christ's blessing, as well as fertility.
HEART: A heart is a symbol of true love and love in the home.
PINE CONE: A pine cone, an evergreen symbol, represents fruitfulness, eternity, motherhood, and fertility.
BELL: A bell, usually wrung to mark a momentous time, represents joy and merriment.
FLOWER BASKET: A flower basket or bouquet symbolizes good wishes or beauty in the home.
BIRD: A bird, more specifically, a dove represents the Holy Spirit. It symbolizes joy and happiness. ** If the bird is in a nest, then it represents confidence in the cottage or home.
ROSE: The rose is a symbol of affection and the Virgin Mary. A yellow rose symbolizes faithfulness in marriage.
ANGEL or Church: This is a symbol of God's guidance in the home.
RABBIT: A rabbit stands for hope and peace with nature.
FRUIT BASKET: A fruit basket represents generosity and plenty.
SANTA: Santa Claus is a symbol of goodwill and unselfishness.
Additional Symbolic Ornaments
- Glass Carrots: Carrots were believed to bring the bride good luck in the kitchen.
- Star: Like the star the led the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem, the star symbolizes guidance.
- Boat: This is representative of a couple sailing across the waters of life, both rough and smooth.
- Colored Ball Ornaments: The many colors symbolize the diversity of the world.
- Paper Chains or Garlands: These strands are symbolic of how humans are all bound together.
- Lights: In Christian tradition, candles are a symbol for Jesus and the light he brings to earth (and a couple) even in the darkest times.
- Grape: Like the Communion wine that brings people together, grapes are a symbol of friendship.
- TEAPOT: Inviting a guest for tea is a nice way to demonstrate your hospitality.
Old World Christmas Bride's Collection Ornament Box Set
