A Long-Standing Tradition: The Origins of Middle Eastern Christmas Ornaments
Christmas ornaments are a beloved symbol of the holiday season that has been a popular tradition for generations. It may come as no surprise that this ancient tradition has taken on different forms across various cultures over the years. However, not many people know the history of Christmas ornaments in the Middle East, where it all began.
The story goes back to a thousand years ago when Christmas ornaments first emerged in the Middle East. Specifically, in the Middle Eastern Christian community, they started making ornaments to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Ornaments were used for decorating Christmas trees and any kind of shrub or bush around the home during the holiday season.
The Cultural Significance of Christmas Ornaments in the Middle East
Christmas ornaments have cultural and spiritual significance in the Middle East that extends beyond mere decoration. In some regions, they even represent a combination of religious and cultural elements unique to the area.
For instance, in Lebanon, it’s a popular tradition to ornament the Christmas tree with traditional Lebanese foods such as olive branches, dried fruits, nuts, and candy. This tradition acknowledges the country’s rich Mediterranean food culture and reflects the importance of sharing food with loved ones in joyous occasions.
In Jordan, the ornamentation of Christmas trees and bushes around the home is a tradition that goes hand in hand with something completely different from celebrating the birth of Christ. It’s the culture of “cold springs.” Jordanians believe that taking a cold dip in the natural cold springs during the holiday brings good health and prosperity. So, families head out to these cold springs and decorate them with Christmas ornaments to acknowledge the reason for their visit.
Finally, Christmas ornaments still have their place in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries with a predominantly Muslim population. While the population doesn’t celebrate Christmas as Muslims, they celebrate the birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus) as an important Islamic event. Christmas ornaments, in this case, symbolize respect for the Christian faith and tradition.
In conclusion, the fascinating story of Middle Eastern Christmas ornaments offers a peek into this region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The ornaments are not just decorative objects but an expression of the cultural and spiritual significance that varies across countries and communities. In a word, Middle Eastern Christmas ornaments are a testament to the greatness of God, the culture of Christmas, and the diversity of the human experience.
