How Red and Green Became Christmas Colors
Red and green feel so inseparable from Christmas that it’s hard to imagine the season without them. But those colors weren’t always a given. Their story begins long before modern decorations, rooted in nature and symbolism.
Evergreen plants, pine, fir, holly, were cherished during winter because they stayed green even in the coldest months. Long before Christmas trees appeared in living rooms, evergreens represented life, hope, and endurance during dark winters.
The red came along naturally. Holly berries stood
out vividly against green leaves and snowy landscapes, making them both beautiful and symbolic.
Over time, red also took on deeper meaning in Christian tradition, often representing love, sacrifice, and the heart of the Christmas story. When evergreen
wreaths and holly became common holiday décor, red and green quietly became visual partners.
By the Victorian era, these colors were firmly cemented as “Christmas colors.” Holiday cards, wrapping paper, ornaments, and storefronts embraced the pairing, spreading it across homes and cultures.
Today, red and green instantly signal warmth, tradition, and celebration.
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