On Mission

Where Does the Christmas Tree Come From? And Other Traditions

Episode Summary

Have you ever wondered where the Christmas Tree comes from? Or are you wondering what the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the traditions in our homes that we can so easily take for granted and shares the context and religious symbolism behind the traditions.

Episode Notes

Have you ever wondered where the Christmas Tree comes from? Or are you wondering what the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is? In this episode of On Mission, Chris Pierno, Sarah Scalfaro, and Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. discuss the traditions in our homes that we can so easily take for granted and shares the context and religious symbolism behind the traditions.

Every year, we set up Christmas trees, we put up lights, we wrap gifts, and we put out a nativity scene, but do we ever consider where these practices come from? For example, the Christmas tree’s origin comes from St. Boniface who said the tree reminds us of eternal life, the Trinity, and our orientation to live for eternity. These and other traditions have been handed on to us, like the crèche. The crèche is said to have been developed by St. Francis and now finds its way into our living rooms each year. Even St. Peter’s Square in Rome sets up a nativity scene and a Christmas tree. It was Pope St. John Paul II who started the tradition of placing a nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. And a nativity scene commissioned by St. Vincent Pallotti was in use for a number of years. Listen to this podcast episode to learn more!

 

View our Advent Resources page

 

Related On Mission episodes:

Christmas Peace

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Christmas Season

Christmas

 

From the Ad Infinitum blog:

Look Up, Set Out, and Give

The Great Light of Christmas

More posts about Christmas

 

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