Chrismon tree
Encyclopedia
Chrismon trees are a popular variation of the Christmas tree
developed by Frances Kipps Spencer, a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia
. She originated the concept in 1957 when she set out to create decorations appropriate for a church's Christmas celebrations. The ornaments she created using leftover supplies used for wrapping Christmas presents quickly became popular, so Spencer began creating additional ornaments and wrote a series of how-to books. After her death in 1990, Spencer willed the rights to the Chrismons name and patterns to the Ascension church to continue its non-profit ministry
.
The Chrismon tree is highly symbolic, conveying the life of Christ and the meaning of Christmas through commonly found items and easily understood symbols borrowed or modified from other sources. The tree is evergreen, representing eternal life, and decorated with traditional and modified ancient Christian
symbols, called Chrismon
. which are usually handmade by members of a local congregation using beads, sequins, glitter and styrofoam in colors of white and gold.
Christmas tree
The Christmas tree is a decorated evergreen coniferous tree, real or artificial, and a tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas. The tradition of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas started in Livonia and Germany in the 16th century...
developed by Frances Kipps Spencer, a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia
Danville, Virginia
Danville is an independent city in Virginia, United States, bounded by Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. It was the last capital of the Confederate States of America. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Danville with Pittsylvania county for...
. She originated the concept in 1957 when she set out to create decorations appropriate for a church's Christmas celebrations. The ornaments she created using leftover supplies used for wrapping Christmas presents quickly became popular, so Spencer began creating additional ornaments and wrote a series of how-to books. After her death in 1990, Spencer willed the rights to the Chrismons name and patterns to the Ascension church to continue its non-profit ministry
Christian ministry
In Christianity, ministry is an activity carried out by Christians to express or spread their faith. 2003's Encyclopedia of Christianity defines it as "carrying forth Christ's mission in the world", indicating that it is "conferred on each Christian in baptism." It is performed by all Christians...
.
The Chrismon tree is highly symbolic, conveying the life of Christ and the meaning of Christmas through commonly found items and easily understood symbols borrowed or modified from other sources. The tree is evergreen, representing eternal life, and decorated with traditional and modified ancient Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
symbols, called Chrismon
Chrismon
A chrismon is one of number of Christian symbols intended to represent aspects of the Person, life or ministry of Jesus Christ and the life, ministry or history of the Church through a single image, emblem or monogram. The term "chrismon" comes from the Latin phrase "Christi Monogramma", meaning...
. which are usually handmade by members of a local congregation using beads, sequins, glitter and styrofoam in colors of white and gold.
External links
- Chrismon.org -- Official site
- "O Chrismon tree, O Chrismon tree", Decatur Daily, December 25, 2006