The Symbolism of Baubles: What Do Different Colours and Shapes of Christmas Decorations Mean?

Every year, billions of people around the world decorate their Christmas trees. Most choose Christmas baubles and decorations that have been passed down through generations or buy new ones that catch their eye for some reason. It’s now very fashionable to decorate Christmas trees to match the interior design of the home, ensuring they perfectly harmonise with the overall style. However, few people realise that the colours of individual baubles hold significant meanings, often rooted in the Bible and Catholic faith, but also linked to the pagan traditions of Europe (the custom of decorating Christmas trees was brought to Australia from Europe). Want to know the symbolism behind the colours and shapes of Christmas baubles? Read on!

What Do the Colours of Baubles Mean?

Are you choosing beautiful,handmade glass Christmas baubles? First, see what each colour symbolises.

• White Baubles White baubles have become very popular with the rise of Scandinavian-style interiors. However, white isn’t just a timeless, elegant colour that brings a sense of order to a room. In Christian symbolism, white refers to heavenly glory and salvation. During the Christmas season, priests wear white vestments, and in church, white is often associated with Christ, angels, and heaven.
• Red Baubles Red,baubles, especially handmade Christmas baubles, are among the most popular decorations for the Christmas tree. They look especially stunning against the green branches of the tree. Red also reminds many of us of Father Christmas’s outfit and the overall celebration of Christmas. In liturgy, red is associated with the shedding of blood and the Passion of Christ, as well as with love and sacrifice, which Christ showed to humanity. Red Christmas baubles are a reminder of God’s love.
• Green Baubles Green baubles are an excellent choice for those who want their Christmas tree to look more understated.Christmas decorations in this colour blend beautifully with the tree’s branches. Green symbolises the rebirth of life and is used by priests for most of the liturgical year. For Catholics, it’s a colour associated with the joy and renewal that Jesus Christ brings.
• Blue Baubles Blue baubles with silver accents are often used as an alternative to red-and-gold decorations. Blue symbolises the sky and tranquillity, as well as contemplation. In church, it is seen as the colour of the Virgin Mary. Interestingly, in medieval times, blue was also a symbol of loyalty..
• Pink Baubles. Dark pink, or rather purple, is the colour of priests’ vestments during Advent and Lent. It symbolises the path to something better, joy, and optimism.
• Gold Baubles. Gold baubles are particularly desirable in glamour-style Christmas tree arrangements. They are often used to complement Christmas baubles in other colours, such as red, dark green, or navy blue. In liturgy, gold is sometimes associated with excess in a negative sense, but it also represents immortality and divine power.

What Do the Shapes of Baubles Mean?

The shapes of baubles also carry symbolic meanings, including the most popular shape – the sphere. Let’s find out what they represent!

• Sphere The sphere has many meanings. First and foremost, it symbolises continuity and repetition, but also creation and renewal. In liturgy, it refers to the apple given to Adam by Eve, representing the origins of humanity. The sphere also symbolises perfect harmony, which it is believed to bring into the household. It’s no wonder thatglass Christmas baubles in this shape have never gone out of fashion!
• Fruits, Nuts, and Pinecones These bauble shapes harken back to old tree decorations – real nuts, fruits, acorns, and so on. In the past, they were seen as gifts from God and symbols of fertility and abundance Sometimes you’ll also see Christmas baubles shaped like apples. Catholics used to hang them on Christmas trees to remind them of original sin and emphasise the importance of Christ’s birth, which came to save humanity.
• Angels, Elves, and Gnomes Some of these creatures have pagan origins, while angels, of course, are part of Catholic belief. On the Christmas tree, they all serve the same purpose – to protect the home from accidents, illness, and evil.
• Birds. Birds symbolise the anticipation of good news.

Modern Glass Baubles

At Artisan Ornaments, you’ll also find modern bauble shapes, which can symbolise the passions or beliefs of the household members. We offer, for example, sports-themed baubles,pet-themed baubles, and even hand-painted Christmas baubles with Australian motifs. You’ll find baubles in the shape of cars, motorcycles, and even sweets. These unique baubles allow you to decorate your Christmas tree exactly the way you want. They can also make a fantastic, thoughtful gift for someone special. We warmly invite you to explore our offerings in our online store or visit one of our physical shops, located in major Australian cities.