Hanging of greenery goes back to ancient Rome. Evergreen roping and wreaths were hung in homes and on buildings as a sign of victory. Evergreens include not only fir, cedar and pine, but also ivy, holly and rosemary. Christians continued to follow the practice of hanging greens as a symbol of JESUS' victory over death.
Evergreens offer a variety of symbols and traditions. A legend says the Rosemary shrub was laid by Mary in the manger where the CHRIST child's garments would have a pleasant aroma. In the Middle Ages, Rosemary branches were spread on the floor of homes at Christmas, and as people walked on it, a pleasant aroma filled the air. The evegeen also serves as a symbol of eternal life---always green, always fresh and alive, everlasting. Thus the evergreen is a symbol of the eternal promise of salvation and the everlasting GOD. The hanging of the greens has become a tradition of preparation for Christmas.
The first picture of Rosemary is the upright type, the second has pale lavender flowers and is called sprawling Rosemary. Both have a wonderful, sage-like aroma when touched. 
"For all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
But the word of the LORD endureth for ever. And this is the word by the gospel is preached unto you."
I Peter1:23-25
No comments:
Post a Comment