A History of the Chrismon Tree
from carolinaseniorcare.org
posted: December 5, 2016
Chrismon ornaments were first developed by Frances Kipps Spencer at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. In 1957, Mrs. Spencer began thinking about a way to decorate the Christmas tree in her church that would be more suitable for a Sanctuary. She thought that the traditional bright ornaments were not appropriate for a worship setting and began looking for something that would reflect the Christian faith.
Thinking of the tradition of decorating a birthday cake with the honoree’s name, Mrs. Spencer decided to place the name of Jesus and his title, Christ, on the tree. Rather than using English, however, she used the Greek monograms. Thus the Greek “Chi Rho” became one of the earliest Chrismons because they are monograms for Christos, the Greek word for Christ. These simple monograms and some crosses decorated the first Chrismon Tree.
Over the years, Frances Spencer added other designs using signs and symbols utilized by the early Christians. As these designs increased in number, they included references to Jesus’ life, ministry, and teachings. Chrismons are traditionally white, gold, and/or silver. White is the Church color for Christmas and symbolizes his Majesty and Glory. Chrismons can be made from anything, but paper and embroidered ones are the most widely used.
This Chrismon Tree was designed and decorated by the participants at CarolinaSenior Care. Our Chrismons are special to us because each of them has been handmade with love and care. Every December a “Hanging of the Greens Ceremony” is performed in our Chapel. During the service participants describe the meaning of each Chrismon as they delicately hang it on the tree. This tradition was started in 2015. Each year a different design of Chrismon is made to hang on the Chrismon Tree. This year, 2016, the design is a “Fish”. The Fish is one of the oldest Christian symbols. The letters for the Greek word Fish (Ichthus), stand for Jesus. Also, some of Jesus’ disciples were fisherman. After Christmas the Chrismons will be gently stored so that they may be hung each Christmas, as we create a new tradition at Carolina SeniorCare.
We hope that you see the beauty and love that shines through the Carolina SeniorCare Chrismon Tree.
Shared by Chaplain, Misty York