Home of The Champions

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Significance of Christmas tree varies for everyone - CNA

SINGAPORE: One poignant symbol of Christmas has always been the Christmas tree.

The cone-shaped evergreen is seen at shopping malls, in every church and in many homes, but not many know how the tradition of setting up the Christmas tree began.

Reverend Father Valerian Cheong, Priest, Church of the Risen Christ, said: "It started in German families. The German immigrants brought it into the United States. Today, you see, it's a very commercialised Christmas. But the true essence is to remind us that Jesus is the evergreen, the giver of our life.

"It's the centre of celebrations. It's where they put presents and candles, and that's why you have the shining bulbs to remind them of Christ being the light. It's to remind us that it was the star of Bethlehem that guided the people and the wise men to look for the Child Jesus on that Christmas night."

But for many non-Christians, putting up a Christmas tree at home takes on a different significance. To them, it is an opportunity for the family to spend time together.

Besides tree ornaments, presents placed under the trees usually steal the limelight.

And many agree that there are limits to creative decorations on the Christmas tree.

"(Putting) ang pow packets on a Christmas tree is a bit strange. But I suppose it's what we call 'an inculturation into our society' because red colour brings a lot of happiness, joy and luck," said Rev Father Cheong.

At the end of the day, the Christmas tree is really just a symbol of love, life, hope and unity.

-CNA/so

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