The Colours of Christmas

Some sing of Dreaming of a White Christmas, forlorn lovers may have a Blue Christmas but what is the symbolism and associations of the colours of Christmas?

And how might this help when choosing a Christmas colour scheme for your home? Christmas colour schemes are chosen for a variety of reasons. It might be to match the colour scheme of the home, some will have their favourite holiday decorations and others will choose colours according to their mood. When choosing a Christmas colour scheme this year, it might help to consider some of the traditional symbolism and associations of the colours of Christmas.

Celebrating the Winter Solstice

Christmas was originally the pagan celebration of the winter solstice; a celebration to brighten spirits in the dead of winter and celebrate the coming of spring. Pine tree branches were originally hung around the house representing the green of the leaves in anticipation of the coming spring and homes were decorated with sprigs of holly to brighten up the grey winter months for the celebration.

Colours of Christmas: Red

The main colours of Christmas are red, green and gold, white and silver. Red is the colour of love and energy. In Christian tradition, this colour symbolizes the blood of Jesus which was shed for all humans that they might be saved. (John 19:34).

Red is the colour of fire inducing feelings of warmth and visions of roaring fires, red berries and Santa Claus. People who are drawn to the colour red are likely to be outgoing, cheerful and impulsive. However too much red could promote anger, over-excitement and intense emotions so it is always good, when using red even as a predominant Christmas colour scheme, to offset it with other, less fiery Christmas colours.

Symbolism of Green at Christmas

In Christian tradition green symbolizes eternal life in Christ (John 3:16-17). Green is the colour of holly and mistletoe, the Christmas fir tree and a symbol, at Christmastime, of nature. Decorating homes with green foliage cheers up the dark winter days with a symbol of hope for new beginnings.

Green is a relaxing colour; the colour of nature and fertility. People who choose green as their favourite colour are thought to be well adjusted, conventional and conservative. Adding green to the Christmas colour scheme will bring harmony into the home. When red and green are combined, it is said to express the hope for redemption through the sacrifices of Christ.

Symbolism of Gold at Christmas

The colour gold symbolises wealth. It is also a symbol of good health. In Christian tradition gold symbolizes Christ the Divine (Revelations 3:18) People whose favourite colour is gold are generally optimistic.

At Christmas gold can be seen everywhere: in tinsel, candles, Christmas stars, angels and twinkling lights. Adding gold to the Christmas colour scheme will promote courage, confidence and willpower and preserve the health of those living in the home.

Symbolism of Silver at Christmas

Silver, like gold, symbolises riches. Silver is a symbol of strength and can also be related to the moon and feminine energy. In Christian tradition, silver is used in a figurative way to represent God’words. Silver also symbolizes Redemption in Christ (Matthew 27:3-9).

This colour represents clarity, vision and brightness. Adding silver to the Christmas colour scheme will help enhance patience and perseverance within the family. Like the moon, silver has a calming soothing effect.

Symbolism of White at Christmas

Snowflakes, winter wonderlands, Santa’beard, the white robes of Christmas angels, white is a colour of purity and cleanliness; a symbol of rebirth. In Christian tradition, white represents the coming of the light of Christ into the world. White helps add light to the greens and reds, bringing a more balanced feel to the Christmas colour scheme.

Whether flamboyant, romantic, energetic or conservative, do your colour choices represent the traditional seasonal colours or perhaps, as shown above, they say more about you and your personality?