Chrismon tree

A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree often placed in the chancel or nave of a church during Advent and Christmastide.^[1]^[2] The Chrismon tree was first used by North American Lutherans in 1957,^[3] although the practice has spread to other Christian denominations,^[4] including Anglicans,^[5] Catholics,^[6] Methodists,^[7] and the Reformed.^[8] The Chrismon tree tradition originated at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia in 1957, when Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer volunteered to decorate that year's church Christmas Tree.^[9] She designed "numerous ornament from the symbols or 'Monograms' used by early Christians to identify themselves with Christ ... Mrs. Spencer said the tree was not finished until someone came to see it and had the story of Christ explained to them through the Chrismons."^[10] Today, Chrismon trees represent an interdenominational "heritage of all Christians."^[11] As with the ordinary Christmas tree,^[12]^[13] the evergreen tree itself, for Christians, "symbolizes the eternal life Jesus Christ provides".^[14] However, the Chrismon tree differs from the traditional Christmas tree in that it "is decorated only with clear lights and Chrismons made from white and gold material", the latter two being the liturgical colours of the Christmas season.^[1]^[2]

A Chrismon tree in the chancel of St. Louis King of France Catholic Church in Austin.

The Chrismon tree is adorned with Chrismons, "ancient symbols for Christ or some part of Christ's ministry: the dove descending down, fish, Celtic cross, Jerusalem cross, shepherd's crook, chalice, shell, and others."^[1]^[15] Laurence Hull Stookey writes that "because many symbols of the Chrismon tree direct our attention to the nature and ultimate work of Christ, they can be helpful in calling attention to Advent themes."^[16]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

Chrismon tree

Gallery

See also

References

External links

Wikiwand - on