Peace Lutheran Church
An Inspiration for Today. A Foundation for Tomorrow.
Chrismon History & Patterns
"chrismon"
(chriz mon) Latin phrase "Christi Monogramma" - meaning
"monogram of Christ."
In 1957, Frances Kipps Spencer began thinking of a way to
decorate the Christmas tree in her church that would be more
suitable for a sanctuary. (Ascension Lutheran) For more
information visit
http://www.chrismon.org/site/chrismon.htm
The first Chrismon was the “Chi Rho” – the monogram of Jesus
Christ - The first Chrismon tree had simple monograms of Christ
and a few crosses. Later, other signs and symbols used by the
earliest Christians were added to the collection. And then she
started to create original designs that showed Biblical
teachings and events.
A vital feature of the concept is that each design must proclaim
some truth about God as seen in Jesus.
The Chrismons Tree
an evergreen tree – the eternal
life
tiny white lights – He is the light of the world
Chrismons ornaments – proclaim the life and the saving acts of Jesus the
Christ
Some designs are simple copies of symbols of early Christianity
Some are new explanations of God’s constant presence in our ever
changing world
A Chrismon ornament is always white, gold or white and gold combined.
These should be homemade
White represents God’s purity
Gold symbolizes His majesty and glory
Other gold accessories such as gold beads, balls, bows, or gold garland
may be added
To see the patterns, click on the
following links:
http://www.ezartsncrafts.com/christiansymbols.html
http://www.umcs.org/chrismons/patterns/index.htm