Bird Christmas Ornaments
Why are there Bird Christmas Ornaments?
Christmas ornaments that resemble birds may seem odd,
but actually it's traditional and historical. Back before
we had plastics and mass manufacturing, Christmas ornaments
were made by hand out of what was available to adorn the
Christmas tree. No, people didn't put actual birds on
the tree, but feathers, birdhouse
ornaments, and bird replicas were made. Common bird
Christmas ornaments are partridges, blue
jays, peacocks, doves,
and cardinals. Perhaps in the old days, if you brought
in a tree that you chopped down yourself, it came with
a surprise sometimes -- a birds nest? That would account
for birds as ornaments in trees, since they are often
found in trees.
Symbolism and History of Bird Christmas Ornaments
There is also the symbolism of the white dove for peace,
a Christmas theme. In fact the birds, and white
dove, are Christmas themes around the world. In the
bible, at the end of the great flood, Noah released a
dove. The dove returned with a branch symbolizing that
god's "war" was over, peace had arrived, and
that there was indeed land to set foot on again. The dove
is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It is said that when
Jesus was baptized the heavens opened up and the Spirit
of God descended upon him like a dove.
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