Legends and Symbols
While we may not always know where all of the legends started or why, I think we can all agree that they make the holidays a little more fun and interesting. Start collecting ornaments with legends or symbols that mean something special to you and share them with your family and friends.
Symbol of the FrogFinding a frog brings good luck, and a wish made secretly upon seeing the first frog in spring will most certainly come true.
Legend of the Ladybug
According to European folklore, ladybugs symbolize good luck. Many, many years ago, aphids invaded the fields of farmers. When the farmers prayed for help to the Virgin Mary, legend tells us that swarms of little red beetles appeared. They proceeded to eat the aphids and save the crops. The farmer named the beetles "ladybugs" in appreciation of Mary, "Our Lady."
Tradition of the PickleAccording to German tradition, the pickle brings good luck and was the last ornament placed on the tree. On Christmas morning the first child to find the pickle was rewarded with an extra little gift. This tradition encouraged the children to appreciate all the ornaments on the tree rather than hurrying to see what St. Nick had left for them.
Symbol of the Turtle
Taking their homes with them wherever they go, turtles remind us to remember out roots while still welcoming new places and phases in life. They teach us to appreciate life's simple, true necessities: shelter, food, drink, and most importantly, faith. The turtles slow gait requires the animal to have faith that it will eventually get where it is going and that its needs will be satisfied along the way.
Taking their homes with them wherever they go, turtles remind us to remember out roots while still welcoming new places and phases in life. They teach us to appreciate life's simple, true necessities: shelter, food, drink, and most importantly, faith. The turtles slow gait requires the animal to have faith that it will eventually get where it is going and that its needs will be satisfied along the way.
Legend of the Christmas Spider
An old European Christmas lessen tells of a poor woman unable to provide the traditional decorations for the special holiday. A spider made his home in her tree and began to spin beautiful webs. On Christmas morning, the first hint of sun struck the cobwebs, turning them to silver. when the woman awoke, she found the tree was covered with silver treasures thus beginning the tradition of placing tinsel on a tree.
An old European Christmas lessen tells of a poor woman unable to provide the traditional decorations for the special holiday. A spider made his home in her tree and began to spin beautiful webs. On Christmas morning, the first hint of sun struck the cobwebs, turning them to silver. when the woman awoke, she found the tree was covered with silver treasures thus beginning the tradition of placing tinsel on a tree.
