The Bride’s Tree – German Tradition
20th December 2011
It is tradition in Germany for the new bride and groom to receive the gift of 12 ornaments for their first Christmas Tree as a married couple. They each represent an area in life, which together bring about a happy life and successful marriage. The 12 traditional ornaments and their meanings are as follows:
A HEART symbolises true love.
A FLOWER BASKET symbolises good wishes.
A RABBIT represents hope and faith, and peace with nature.
A TEAPOT represents hospitality.
A PINE CONE represents motherhood and fruitfulness, eternity and fertility.
A SANTA represents sharing, unselfishness and goodwill.
A HOUSE represents shelter and protection for the family home.
A FRUIT BASKET symbolises generosity and abundance.
A BIRD represents happiness and The Holy Spirit. If the bird is in a nest, it’s also a sign of confidence in the home.
A FISH represents Christ’s blessing and fertility.
An ANGEL or CHURCH is a symbol of God’s guidance in the home.
A ROSE is a symbol of beauty and affection. A yellow rose symbolises faithfulness in marriage.
