25 Symbols of Holidays that Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit
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Holiday symbols are an integral part of our cultural traditions and are recognized and celebrated all over the world. From the Christmas tree to the menorah, these symbols hold significant meaning and represent different values and beliefs. The use of holiday symbols creates a sense of unity and belonging among individuals, regardless of their background or religion.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular holiday symbols used around the world and their cultural significance.
1. Advent Wreath (Advent)
The Advent wreath symbolizes the holiday season and consists of evergreen branches with four candles arranged around the perimeter. Each candle represents one of the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas.
The circular wreath symbolizes eternity, with no beginning or end, while the evergreens used in its construction represent the ongoing life and hope of the coming spring. The Advent wreath’s custom originated in Germany during the 16th century, serving as a marker for the weeks preceding Christmas.
Nowadays, the Advent wreath is a familiar sight in numerous Christian homes and churches during the festive season, symbolizing the hope and anticipation for the arrival of Christ.
2. Anzac Biscuits (Anzac Day)
Anzac biscuits are a symbol of holidays in Australia and New Zealand. These delicious cookies are made with rolled oats, coconut, and golden syrup. They are often enjoyed on Anzac Day, commemorating the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli during World War I.
The biscuits were originally sent to soldiers by their loved ones back home, as they were sturdy enough to withstand the long journey overseas. Presently, Anzac biscuits are a favored delicacy savored by individuals throughout Australia and New Zealand.
They are a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have defended their nations during wartime. Whether relished on Anzac Day or any other day, these biscuits offer a tasty and significant way to pay tribute to the rich heritage of the two nations.
3. Befana (Epiphany, Italy)
Befana is a symbol of holidays in Italy and is celebrated on the eve of the Epiphany. According to tradition, Befana is an older woman who flies on a broomstick, bringing gifts to children who have been good throughout the year and leaving lumps of coal for those who have been naughty.
Befana is said to visit every home in Italy on the night of January 5, leaving treats and surprises for children in their stockings. The legend of Befana dates back to ancient Italian folklore and has been celebrated for centuries.
Befana is also known for sweeping the floors of homes with her broomstick, symbolizing the sweeping away of the old year.
4. Bonfire
Bonfires symbolize holidays in various cultures globally, including Midsummer festivities in Scandinavia, Guy Fawkes Night in the United Kingdom, and the Fourth of July in the United States.
Bonfires’ origins date back to ancient pagan customs, where fires symbolized the shift in seasons and protection against evil spirits. Today, bonfires remain a cherished emblem of holiday merriment as communities unite to ignite massive fires and revel in food, music, and dance.
Whether they signify the onset of summer, memorialize historical occurrences, or foster human connections, bonfires represent the innate human yearning to bond and rejoice in life’s pleasures.
5. Candy Canes (Christmas)
Candy canes are a popular symbol of holidays in North America, particularly during Christmas. These sweet treats are traditionally made of sugar, corn syrup, and peppermint flavoring and are shaped like a cane with a hook at one end.
The candy cane’s shape is said to represent the shepherd’s crook, symbolizing the humble origins of the Christmas story. Candy canes have been in holiday customs for centuries, frequently serving as Christmas tree decorations or stocking fillers.
Recently, candy canes have been produced in various flavors and hues, injecting a playful element into this traditional festive confection.
6. Christmas Tree (Christmas)
The Christmas tree is a universally acknowledged holiday emblem, particularly in Christian societies. Bringing evergreen trees indoors and adorning them for Christmas stems from pagan winter solstice festivities.
The contemporary Christmas tree we recognize today emerged in Germany during the 16th century and has since become an endearing symbol of the festive season. In contemporary times, the Christmas tree is the focal point for holiday decorations in residences, communal areas, and even open-air city plazas.
From traditional ornaments and garlands to more contemporary adornments like LED lights and customized baubles, the Christmas tree offers a platform for ingenuity and self-expression during the festive season.
7. Claddagh Ring (St. Patrick’s Day)
The Claddagh ring is a beloved symbol of holidays in Ireland, particularly during Christmas. This traditional Irish ring features two hands holding a heart with a crown, symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship.
These rings are also popular wedding bands, symbolizing love with a heart, friendship with hands, and loyalty with a crown. The Claddagh ring signifies Irish pride, serves as a token of affection, or passes on as a family treasure, continuing as a cherished emblem of the holiday season in Ireland and elsewhere.
8. Diya Lamp (Diwali)
Diya lamps represent holiday symbols in Hindu and Sikh cultures, especially during Diwali, the festival of lights. These tiny clay lamps contain oil and a cotton wick, lit during the holidays to represent light conquering darkness and good defeating evil.
Diya lamps have long been integral to Hindu and Sikh traditions, symbolizing the holiday season. During Diwali, people light Diya lamps in their homes, doorways, and public areas, illuminating the surroundings with a warm glow that evokes peace and happiness.
9. Dreidel (Hanukkah)
The Dreidel is a beloved symbol of holidays in Jewish culture, particularly during Hanukkah. This small spinning top is typically made of wood or plastic and has four sides, each inscribed with a Hebrew letter.
The Dreidel game is played during Hanukkah, with players taking turns spinning the Dreidel and betting on which side it will land on. The origins of the Dreidel go back to ancient Israel, where Jewish people played a similar game with coins during persecution.
Today, the Dreidel is a popular holiday toy and a symbol of the spirit of resilience and hope that Hanukkah represents.
10. Easter Eggs (Easter)
Easter eggs are an iconic and cherished symbol of the Easter season, particularly in Christian cultures. These eggs, which can be made of chocolate or painted hard-boiled eggs, are often adorned with vibrant colors and designs, making them a delightful sight for children and adults alike.
The tradition of Easter eggs can be traced back to ancient pagan rituals, where eggs were used to symbolize new life, fertility, and rebirth. Today, the Easter egg remains a beloved symbol of hope and renewal, reminding us of the joy and new beginnings that come with the spring season.
11. Gingerbread House (Christmas)
The gingerbread house is a beloved symbol of holidays, particularly in Western cultures, during Christmas. These houses are typically made of gingerbread, icing, and candy and have intricate details and designs.
The tradition of making gingerbread houses dates back centuries, with roots in German gingerbread and European holiday traditions. Today, gingerbread houses are a popular holiday activity for families and communities, with competitions and festivals celebrating the art of gingerbread house making.
Whether enjoyed as a delicious treat or a decorative centerpiece, the gingerbread house remains a cherished symbol of the holiday season.
12. Groundhog (Groundhog Day)
Groundhog Day celebrations on February 2 prominently feature the groundhog as a symbol. Legend says that if a groundhog sees its shadow after leaving its burrow, six more weeks of winter will follow; if not, spring comes early.
This custom began in Pennsylvania Dutch regions during the 18th and 19th centuries and has since expanded throughout North America. The groundhog symbolizes the hope for an early winter’s end and the arrival of spring, representing life’s renewal.
Predicting weather based on the groundhog’s actions has become a treasured aspect of American culture, inspiring various forms of media. Groundhog Day offers a playful, cheerful way to break winter monotony, anticipating brighter days.
13. Hina Dolls (Hinamatsuri)
The Hina dolls symbolize holidays in Japan, particularly during Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival, or Girls’ Day. These dolls are typically displayed on a unique platform, representing the emperor, empress, and court, and are dressed in traditional Japanese clothing.
During Hinamatsuri, families and communities display their Hina dolls and celebrate with food, music, and traditional customs. The festival celebrates young girls and their happiness and well-being and is often marked by gift-giving and sharing of special sweets and treats.
14. Jack-o’-lantern (Halloween)
These decorations consist of pumpkins with hollowed-out interiors, carved with weird faces, and illuminated by candles. The Jack-o’-lantern tradition has ancient roots in Irish folklore and the tale of Stingy Jack.
Nowadays, Jack-o’-lanterns are popular Halloween decorations worldwide, enjoyed by families and communities alike. Jack-o’-lanterns offer a platform for creativity and spooky enjoyment during the holiday season, ranging from traditional designs to imaginative, intricate works of art.
15. Kwanzaa Candles (Kwanzaa)
Kwanzaa candles symbolize the holiday season in African American culture, specifically during Kwanzaa. This week-long celebration, from December 26 to January 1, commemorates African American culture and heritage. The kinara, a Kwanzaa candle holder, contains seven candles, each symbolizing a distinct principle.
The Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony is a crucial aspect of holiday festivities. Families come together to light candles and contemplate the principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
The Kwanzaa candles represent a strong symbol of African American culture and pride, reminding celebrants of the significance of community, family, and heritage during the holiday season.
16. Maple Leaf (Canada Day)
The maple leaf captivates Canadians during the fall holidays, embodying the country’s culture and identity on its national flag. As a symbol of strength, resilience, and beauty, the maple leaf highlights Canada’s stunning landscapes.
In autumn, the maple leaf takes center stage, transforming the trees into a dazzling array of red, orange, and yellow. Maple leaves embellish holiday decorations, from wreaths to centerpieces, delighting families and communities across Canada.
The maple leaf’s significance extends beyond national pride, as it is cherished for its inherent beauty during the holiday season.
17. Mardi Gras Beads (Mardi Gras)
Mardi Gras beads are a vibrant holiday symbol, particularly cherished during the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration and other global events. These plastic beads, available in various colors and designs, have been integral to Mardi Gras since the early 1900s.
Mardi Gras festivities unite people to revel in music, parades, and partying. Beads are tossed from floats and balconies, and participants strive to collect as many as possible. People wear Mardi Gras beads for style or kept as souvenirs, remaining a treasured part of the holiday season.
18. Maypole (May Day)
The Maypole is a beloved symbol of holidays, particularly in European cultures during spring. This tall pole is typically adorned with ribbons, flowers, and other decorative elements and is used in traditional dances and celebrations.
The origins of the Maypole can be traced back to ancient pagan rituals, where it was used to symbolize the renewal of life and fertility. Today, numerous European communities continue to cherish the Maypole dance, attracting people of all generations to swirl around the pole, heralding spring’s arrival.
The Maypole symbolizes the seasonal shift and nature’s splendor, emphasizing the significance of community and tradition. As a centerpiece for festive events or the focus of traditional dances, the Maypole remains a treasured emblem of the holiday season across various cultures.
19. Menorah (Hanukkah)
The menorah is a special holiday symbol, especially during Hanukkah in Jewish culture. This unique candelabrum accommodates nine candles, lighting one each night of Hanukkah to commemorate the Temple oil miracle.
Hanukkah brings families and communities together to ignite the menorah’s candles, reveling in traditional foods, games, and presents. The menorah underscores the importance of faith, tradition, and community, symbolizing the Jewish people’s tenacity and resilience throughout history. As a centerpiece for festive gatherings or traditional prayer focus, the menorah remains a precious holiday emblem in Jewish culture.
20. Mistletoe (Christmas)
The mistletoe is a beloved symbol of holidays, particularly in Western cultures, during Christmas time. This evergreen plant with small, white berries is often hung as a decoration and has been associated with holiday traditions for centuries.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe goes back centuries to when people believed the plant had healing and magical powers. Mistletoe retains its popularity as a holiday adornment, frequently displayed in residences and public areas.
Kissing beneath the mistletoe has evolved into an entertaining and spirited custom during the holiday season, allowing couples and friends to enjoy a special moment. Mistletoe represents love, friendship, and holiday joy, becoming an integral component of many cultures’ festive practices.
21. Mooncakes (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Mooncakes are a beloved symbol of holidays, particularly in Chinese culture, during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries are typically filled with delicious fillings. People also decorate them with intricate designs or patterns on top.
The tradition of eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival dates back to ancient Chinese folklore, where they were used to symbolize the reunion of loved ones. The round shape of the mooncake evokes completeness, while the sweet fillings remind us of the sweetness of life.
Whether enjoyed as a dessert or given as a gift, mooncakes remain a cherished part of holiday traditions in Chinese culture.
22. Novruz Table (Nowruz)
The Novruz table is an important symbol of holidays, particularly in Azerbaijani culture during spring. This festive table is adorned with various traditional foods and symbolic items, including colored eggs, green sprouts, and sweets. The Novruz holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature, and the table symbolizes the abundance and prosperity of the new year.
During Novruz, families and communities gather to prepare and enjoy traditional foods and celebrate with music and dancing. The Novruz table is a powerful reminder of the importance of culture, tradition, and community and symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the Azerbaijani people.
23. Ofrendas (Day of the Dead)
Ofrendas, also known as altars or offerings, are a beloved symbol of holidays, particularly in Mexican culture during the Day of the Dead. These colorful and elaborate altars are adorned with flowers, candles, photos, and favorite foods and drinks of loved ones who have passed away.
The tradition of building Ofrendas dates back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, where offerings were made to honor the dead and celebrate the cycle of life and death. The Ofrenda is a reminder of the importance of honoring the memories of those who have passed away.
The colorful and vibrant displays reflect the joy and celebration of life, even in the face of death, and are a cherished part of the holiday season in Mexican culture.
24. Panettone (Italian Christmas)
Panettone is a beloved symbol of holidays, particularly in Italian culture, during Christmas. This sweet bread, made with raisins, candied fruit, and other delicious ingredients, has become a staple in holiday celebrations worldwide.
Panettone is a favored holiday delicacy, often exchanged as a gift among loved ones. The bread’s soft, fluffy consistency and sweet, fruity flavors make it a delightful addition to holiday banquets and get-togethers. Panettone is special in Italian culture and beyond, whether savored as a dessert or presented as a gift.
25. Pink Cherry Blossoms (Hanami, Japan)
Pink cherry blossoms, or Sakura, are dear to many, particularly during Japan’s spring season. These fragile, gorgeous flowers embody life’s fleeting beauty and have become integral to Japanese culture and identity. The ancient tradition of cherry blossom viewing, or Hanami, thrives today through festivals, picnics, and various gatherings.
Springtime sees Japan’s parks and avenues awash in cherry blossoms’ vivid pink hues, attracting locals and tourists to experience the short-lived flowers’ charm. Cherry blossoms offer a potent reminder of life’s cyclical nature and the value of living in the present. The annual Sakura bloom is deeply cherished in Japanese culture and celebrated with immense joy and respect.
Wrapping Up
The wide range of holiday symbols we’ve examined highlights the diverse cultural and religious celebrations that unite people in joy and unity. These iconic symbols, rooted in tradition and meaning, visually remind us of the shared values and experiences that connect communities worldwide.
By appreciating and embracing the beauty and significance of these symbols, we promote a deeper understanding of the customs and beliefs that make our world a dynamic, interconnected mosaic of joy.
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