Advent and Christmas Signs and Symbols

Catholic Update: Advent and Christmas Signs and Symbols

Each year we look forward to our Advent and Christmas traditions, like lighting an Advent wreath, placing a crèche in our home, or decorating a tree. We do this because these traditions are outward expressions of our faith, signs and symbols of what we believe. The symbols provide a tangible way for us to embrace and celebrate the reality of encounter that the season represents. 

The traditional Christmas tree, for example, has its roots in the medieval religious Paradise play, which told the story of creation, Adam and Eve, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9).