The German Bride's Tree Tradition

9/01/2019 04:20:00 PM

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. 

    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. 



Image Source: St.Nick's


Old World Christmas Bride's Collection Ornament Box Set

According to tradition, the newlywed couple’s Christmas tree should include the following 12 ornaments to ensure a happy life together:

Rabbit (hope & faith), Angel (God’s guidance in the home), Fish (God’s blessing), Santa (unselfishness & goodwill), Pine Cone (motherhood & faith), Rose (beauty & affection), Fruit Basket (generosity), Bird (happiness & joy), Teapot (Hospitality), House (shelter & protection), Heart (true love) and Flower Bouquet (good wishes)


Image Source: St.Nick's


Old World Christmas Blown Glass Ornaments Wedding Collection

The set includes: Wedding Bells, Rose Bouquet, Wedding Heart, Bride, Wedding Chapel and Groom.


Thanks For Visiting
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LoriAnn
LoriAnn