The Fascinating Origins of Red and Green as Christmas Colors

As the holiday season approaches, the world is awash in a sea of red and green. These two colors have become inextricably linked with Christmas, adorning everything from decorations and lights to ugly sweaters and wrapping paper. But have you ever wondered why these particular hues were chosen to represent the festive season? The answer lies in a captivating tapestry of history, tradition, and symbolism.

The Allure of Paradise Plays

One of the earliest theories suggests that the red and green color combination can be traced back to “paradise plays,” medieval theatrical productions that reenacted the story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. These plays, performed on Christmas Eve, often featured a tree representing the Tree of Knowledge, likely an evergreen due to the winter season. Hanging from its branches were vibrant red fruits, symbolizing the forbidden fruit that led to humanity’s fall from grace.

As these paradise plays faded into obscurity, the iconic tree remained, evolving into the modern Christmas tree we know and love. The red of the fruit and the green of the evergreen branches became inextricably linked with the holiday season, laying the foundation for the color scheme we associate with Christmas today.

The Biblical Influence

Another intriguing hypothesis stems from the famous Second Shepherds’ Play, a medieval nativity story that blends comedy and religion. In this play, one of the gifts presented to the infant Christ is a bob of cherries, a vibrant red fruit that contrasts beautifully with the green foliage surrounding the manger scene.

This association between red and green and the Christmas story is thought to have further solidified the use of these colors in celebrating the birth of Jesus, adding a layer of religious symbolism to the already rich tapestry of traditions.

The Enduring Legacy of Holly

For many, the mere mention of holly evokes immediate associations with Christmas. This evergreen plant, with its bright red berries and glossy green leaves, has long been a staple of holiday decor. According to religious studies professor Bruce David Forbes, medieval Europeans sought ways to enliven the bleakness of winter, turning to evergreens and plants like holly and mistletoe as symbols of life and renewal.

The striking contrast of the holly’s vibrant red berries against its verdant foliage made it a natural choice for representing the Christmas season, cementing the red and green color scheme in the collective consciousness of generations to come.

The Influence of Rood Screens

In a fascinating twist, the origins of the red and green Christmas color palette may also be rooted in the intricate rood screens that adorned medieval churches. These ornate partitions, separating the nave from the chancel, were often elaborately carved and painted in vibrant hues, with popular combinations including red and green, as well as blue and gold.

According to Spike Bucklow, a researcher at Cambridge University, the Victorians, captivated by the restorations of these rood screens, may have adapted the red and green color scheme as a symbolic representation of the boundary between the old and new year.

Bucklow even cites a 13th-century collection of Welsh stories, the Mabinogion, which describes a half-red, half-green tree marking a boundary, further reinforcing the idea that this color combination held deeper symbolic meaning.

The Enduring Appeal of Red and Green

While the exact origins of the red and green Christmas color scheme may remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: these hues have become deeply ingrained in our holiday traditions. From the rich symbolism of medieval plays and religious stories to the enduring legacy of evergreens and holly, the vibrant red and verdant green have come to represent the joy, warmth, and renewal that the Christmas season embodies.

As we decorate our homes and gather with loved ones, these colors serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of history and tradition that has woven itself into the fabric of our modern celebrations. So, the next time you gaze upon the twinkling lights and festive decorations, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating journey that has brought these iconic hues to the forefront of the holiday season.

Conclusion

The enduring appeal of red and green as Christmas colors lies in a captivating blend of history, tradition, and symbolism. From the medieval paradise plays and biblical stories to the enduring legacy of holly and the restorations of rood screens, these hues have become inextricably linked with the festive season.

As we continue to celebrate Christmas, surrounded by the warmth and vibrancy of these colors, we carry on a tradition that stretches back centuries, connecting us to the rich tapestry of our shared cultural heritage. So, embrace the joy and wonder of the season, and revel in the fascinating origins of the iconic red and green Christmas color scheme.