What are Chrismons?
Chrismons are Christmas decorations styled with Christian symbols. These ornaments remind us of the true meaning of Christmas – the celebration of Jesus’s birthday.
Chrismon is a combination of two words Christ and monogram, meaning symbol. This idea was created by Frances Kipps Spencer for her church in Danville Virginia in 1957. The idea quickly spread to other churches and homes.
Colors used in their creation are traditionally white and gold. White is the liturgical (or Church) color for Christmas and symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory. Ornaments can be made from nearly anything, but paper and embroidered ones are the most widely used.
Symbols include various crosses, anchors, crowns, Alpha and Omega Greek letters, fish, and stars. Here are a few found on the tree at my church this year:
Here are a few resources for you if you want to make some for your use: Chrismon patterns, Chrismons meaning and patterns, and Chrismon basics books to purchase.
I created a few for my home tree from Styrofoam and purchases others. I like adding the meaning and focus to remind me and to witness to others about Christ. Here is link to a blog post I wrote previously about the tradition of Christmas tree ornaments.
Do you use Chrismons on your tree? What is your favorite Christmas ornament?
I have never heard that word before but I love it and its meaning. My church’s trees only have white lights but they are beautiful and shine so brightly behind our worship team.
The only decorating I did this year was to set up my Nativity as we will not have any family and where I normally set up my tree would be in the path of my husband’s Walker. I love the simplicity of my Nativity (ceramic painted to look like wood carvings).
Jean I want to wish you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas.
I always look forward to your blogs, and have enjoyed your Christmas and Advent Devotionals.
Thank you Denise, May you too have a very blessed Christmas!
So perhaps I have a few Chrismons on my tree, never having heard of the term before! 🙂 Thanks for expanding our knowledge and our hearts, Jean. Merry Christmas!
I love to add them to my tree – keeps me focused on Jesus! Merry Christmas, Lisa!
I’ve never heard that word before, Jean! You’re always giving me a fresh lens to see God at work. I’m so grateful that He’s put you on my path in the past year or so … your posts build my faith, enlarge my world, spark something creative inside.
Merry Christmas to you, friend …
I am grateful for you too, Linda. You know we can complain so much about the internet and social media but on the other hand I have made great friend through this media and am richer because of you!! Merry Christmas!
Out of all the white and gold ornaments we happen to have, there are more than a few that would be at home on a Chrismon tree. My favorite might be the sequined butterfly that brightly glistens in the tree light! I didn’t know the origin of the custom–thank you for sharing, Jean!
White and gold ARE the perfect colors! I bet that butterfly is beautiful too. I can just imagine it. Merry Christmas, Nancy!
Our church always has a Chrismons tree, Jean. We decided not to put up our tree at all this year since no family will be coming round to see it. I know, that may sound grinchy, but we have other cheerful decorations up for the holidays.
Blessings!
We did the same last year for the same reason. That’s not being grinchy, Martha, it’s being practical! You’ll have time for other pursuits–longer quiet times perhaps.
I almost didn’t put up a tree this year either, Martha. But my hubby wanted to, It does sound like you did decorate tho, No rule that a tree HAS to be part of it. Be true to yourself! Merry Christmas
Thank you jean…ive never heard of chrisoms…i make wool felt ornaments for the diff seasons …have them hangin all over…very relaxing to make….will now be more intentional ….peace..
wool would be a very cool medium for your ornaments. I bet lovely too. Merry Christmas, Pat!!