The Spectacular Journey of Christmas Ornaments: From Ancient Astronomy to Modern Decor
As the holiday season approaches, shelves in stores across the country become lined with the usual sights and sounds of Christmas. The rush among people to decorate their houses with ornaments, lights, and tinsel seems like a race to see how uniquely they can outdo the previous year’s display. However, very few individuals take the time to contemplate the inspiration behind these traditions. Surprisingly, many festival of lights decor items draw inspiration from the stars.
The history of Christmas ornamentation dates back to the 16th century in Europe when they were mostly made of paper-mâché, then slowly, over the years, glass and porcelain ornaments began gracing the holiday season all around the world. Today, the ornamentation is available in different sizes, shapes, colors, and quality, including simple nativity scenes, bell-shaped baubles, glittering snowflakes, holly leaves, and the famous and mainstream theme of the stars. More so, the reason behind the ornaments’ artistic appearance is mostly pulled from the ancient scientific study of astrology that involves exploring the skies’ movement and objects.
The perception of stars as the guiding light for the Magi in their journey to Bethlehem, according to the Bible, reverberates presently in the form of Christmas stars. The most popular and enduring Christmas star is the star of Bethlehem which symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. The star of Bethlehem represented hope, guidance, and the advent of the Messiah. The bright star guided the wise men toward the stable where the savior of the world was born. That prophetic star in its glory inspired designers worldwide to make ornaments that depict this biblical story. Thus it will be impossible to discuss Christmas decoration without mentioning the bright, sparkling stars.
Exploring the Mythology of Santa Claus and Christmas in the Night Sky
Moreover, the creative minds behind new decorations have drawn inspiration from constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies. Snowflakes, for example, are ubiquitous in holiday ornamentation and lifestyle products, and they are of astronomical significance. Snowflakes might seem like a limited pattern, but under a microscope, they reveal unique shapes and intricate designs that mirror the formation of stars. Their symmetry and beauty align with various nebulae, which can be observed through a telescope. Nebulae create some of the most stunning patterns and colors in the Milky Way galaxy, inspiring various stunning ornaments and designs that are not only awe-inspiring but breathtaking.
The influence of astronomy in Christmas decoration goes beyond just the ornaments on the tree or around the home. The celestial influence can be found even in the night sky. The month of December is a prime time for stargazing, not only due to the holiday decorations but also due to the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice. The winter solstice marks the start of winter and the period of the year with the least amount of daylight. The solstice would bring a bright moon, a time when the night sky looks different from the rest of the year. It’s also a chance to witness meteor showers (Ursids and Geminids), which are celestial light shows of shooting stars and sometimes accompanied by fireballs.
In conclusion, Christmas ornaments, lights, and decorations interpretations of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, go way back in history, down to the ancient times of the wise men who journeyed to seek baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The attraction to heavenly bodies, and how they form, has influenced the holiday decoration every year, with each year bringing new and exciting ideas. Thus, the star that guided the Magi through the deserts of the east towards Bethlehem has become the prime symbol for the Christmas holiday, inspiring craftsmen, artists, and designers’ ideas worldwide. Subsequently, as the Christmas decorations light up around the world, stargazers behold the awe of heaven above in all its splendor, reminding humanity of the wonders of the skies.