The Origin of the Christmas Angel: A Fascinating History
In fact, the origin of the tradition may be traced back to the first Christmas.
Christmas angels are a common ornament on Christmas trees, and you may have noticed them if you enjoy the holiday. But have you ever questioned the origins of this custom or thought about why it has become a Christmas staple? Why an angel instead of some other decoration, you ask?
Well, here!
It was recently discovered that this custom dates back to the first Christmas. The angels play a pivotal role in the events leading up to the first Christmas: On the night Jesus was born, angels appeared above Bethlehem to proclaim his presence to the world, just as they had announced his impending birth to Joseph and Mary in a series of visits.
To commemorate the birth of Jesus, people began putting angels on top of their Christmas trees after seeing them in the sky. Similar meaning is attached to the star placed at the top of a Christmas tree. The star of Bethlehem (also known as the Christmas star) emerged in the sky to lead people to the newborn Jesus, according to the Christmas account.
Given the theological underpinnings of this custom, it was believed that proudly displaying an angel at the top of the Christmas tree would not only declare the family’s religion but also protect them from any mischievous spirits that could visit over the holiday season.
This custom has been around for centuries, however its precise origin is unknown. Legend has it that the earliest angels were crafted from paper and string (usually made from natural, inexpensive materials like straw). By the 17th century, Europeans had perfected the art of creating glass angel ornaments, which evolved into the life-size figures now placed atop Christmas trees.
Present-day Tree Climbers
While angels are still frequently used as tree toppers, other symbols, such as stars, have also become increasingly popular in recent decades. Ribbons, Christmas gnomes, snowmen, reindeer, snowflakes, Santas, and other wintery or Christmas symbols are other popular tree topper options that aren’t expressly related with the Christian Christmas story.
As you decorate your own Christmas tree this year, whether you choose to put an angel or a star at the top, consider the origins of the custom. The day following Thanksgiving is a common time for many families to decorate their tree. That’s an excellent time to get live trees, as they will last for up to six weeks with careful care. The next step is to decorate. We have a wide variety of Christmas tree ornaments, themes, and decorations to choose from. Learn the fundamentals of Christmas tree decoration from us, from hanging lights and garland to finishing touches like ornaments. To make sure your Christmas tree lasts all season long and doesn’t pose a fire threat, familiarize yourself with the many types of Christmas tree lights by reading our lighting guidelines. Browse our selection of decorative tabletop trees for ideas on how to make the most of a limited amount of floor space, or peruse our assortment of unique Christmas tree themes for inspiration on how to put a unique spin on traditional ornaments like paper stars, flags, starfish, and photos of the whole family. You can give up stressing about holiday preparations and make the most of our suggestions.