Hanging of the Greens - What's It All About?

On Sunday, November 24, MSPC will be "Hanging the Greens" in the sanctuary. What is the meaning behind these symbols? And why do we still do it today?

According to the article Did Oliver Cromwell Ban Christmas, "Many Protestants throughout Europe in the 1600s were suspicious of Christmas celebrations, including many amongst the 'Godly' or Puritan movement in England. Some Puritans objected to the celebrations as there was no mention of such things in the Bible, and therefore, couldn't be justified as they were not rooted in scripture." Christmas was no longer viewed as something sacred by many and served only as a reason to drink and carouse. Presbyterians in Scotland had outlawed Christmas in 1640. The English parliament restricted religious singing to the Psalms.  Moreover, according to the article Hanging of the Greens - Christian Symbols of Christmas; Their Origin and Meaning, "Churches were stripped of ornamentation, and organs were removed.  It took...centuries for Christmas to recover its sparkle." 

Here is the meaning behind some of the symbols.

Evergreens:  Evergreens have long been symbolic of life and growth.  The spicy fragrance of pine and cedar reminds us of the promised awakening of the earth in spring, even when all else is barren in winter.  The early Christians decked their sanctuary with evergreen boughs as a promise of a new life and a sign of the hope that all in Christ live forever. 

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." – Romans 6:4

Holly wreaths: Its green leaves and red berries have long been a popular Christmas decoration.  At the same time of the year we celebrate Christmas, long ago, the Romans used to celebrate their Saturnalis, a tribute to Saturn, whom they called the God of Agriculture.  They thought of holly as a gift of Saturn and believed he made it grow in beauty when all other shrubs were bare.  Romans sent their friends sprigs of holly to express goodwill and wish them good fortune.  The early Christians developed their own symbolism, holding that the crown of thorns was made of holly leaves.  Thus, the Christmas wreath began as a symbol of the crown of thorns.  Although many legends are intertwined with the truth in traditions, the circle has long been symbolic of never-ending eternity and everlasting life.  As the holly wreaths are brought in, church members sing "Joy to the World."

"And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and placed it on His head, and put a purple cloak on Him;" - John 19:2

Bells:  We are told that in Europe, bells probably did not exist before the time of Christ, but in China, bells of a type were used for more than 4,000 years.  The cup-shaped bell, familiar to us, dates from the 4th century.  Bells were initially used to summon the Christians to worship.  Bells have always been closely associated with religious services.  The ringing of the bells and towers of chimes brings a joyous sound of good tidings.  

"On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, around its hem, with bells of gold between them, a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die." - Exodus 28:33-35

Tree:  Christmas trees have long been a part of American tradition.  Colonial trees were decorated with seeds, pods, and strung cranberries with tiny candles fastened to the limbs.  The Christmas tree's beginning is buried in various legends from different countries and connected with ancient peoples and pagan religions.  During winter solstice rites, the Egyptians took green date palms into their homes, signifying life triumph over death.  The Romans trimmed trees with trinkets and small masks and sometimes placed 12 candles on a tree with an image of the sun god.  The druids of Northern Europe honored their chief god, Odin, by tying gilded apples to tree branches.  When pagans accepted Christianity, some winter rites continued, but the symbolism was changed to honor Christ.  Today, the evergreen Christmas tree symbolizes everlasting life; its spire points upward, reminding people of God. 

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:10-11

We hope you will be able to join us on November 24 for this joyous occasion.

Information from the Family Preserves blog and the article Did Oliver Cromwell ban Christmas? provided much of the content in this article.