Jonathan Pageau talks about the symbolism of the Christmas Tree, something that can help us not only to understand the tree itself, but also understand how symbolism works. Full description.
In this video originally published on December 8, 2018, Jonathan Pageau talks about the symbolism of the Christmas Tree, something that can help us not only to understand the tree itself, but also understand how symbolism works. More than just a festive decoration, the Christmas Tree embodies profound patterns of reality and helps illuminate the symbolic structures that shape our understanding of the world.
The Debate: Pagan Roots and Christian Tradition
Pageau begins by addressing a common critique: the idea that the Christmas Tree and other Christian traditions have pagan origins. While acknowledging this historical claim, he shifts the focus to a more significant question—why certain symbols and traditions endure.
He argues that what matters is not the mechanical or historical origin of a symbol, but its ability to resonate with a deeper reality. This selective process, akin to natural evolution, ensures that only the most meaningful and coherent symbols persist across time.
The Christmas Tree as a Symbolic Pattern
At its core, the Christmas Tree represents a hierarchy of manifestation, mirroring patterns found in both nature and spiritual life. Its triangular, pyramid-like shape symbolizes an ascending order:
- The Star or Angel at the Top: Representing principalities or the divine summit of hierarchy.
- The Body of the Tree: The descending order of creation, broad at the base and narrowing toward the apex.
- The Lights and Ornaments: Depicting the hidden sparks of meaning and value within the world.
Pageau links this hierarchy to other symbolic structures, such as mountains or the tree in the Garden of Paradise. Just as Moses ascended Mount Sinai to encounter God, the Christmas Tree serves as a metaphor for the journey toward the divine.
The Ribbons and Lights: Movement and Illumination
The ribbons spiraling around the tree are likened to the turning wheels of a procession or the coils of a serpent, emphasizing the movement that connects different levels of reality. The lights, in turn, represent the hidden sparks of divine meaning, illuminating the tree and symbolizing the infusion of light into a darkened world.
These elements remind us that reality is never devoid of meaning; even in darkness, there is a spark of purpose waiting to be revealed.
The Gifts: Hidden Potential and Divine Generosity
The gifts beneath the tree carry a profound symbolic message. Wrapped and hidden, they represent potentiality—the unknown treasures within chaos and uncertainty. Pageau ties this idea to biblical stories, such as the pearl hidden in the field or Saint Peter finding a coin in the mouth of a fish.
He also draws parallels to ancient traditions, like placing oranges or golden balls in stockings, further emphasizing the idea of concealed value waiting to be uncovered.
The Solstice and the Cosmic Cycle
Connecting the Christmas Tree to the winter solstice, Pageau highlights its alignment with the natural cycle of descent into darkness followed by the return of light. The hidden spark at the darkest moment mirrors the story of Christ’s birth—a seed of hope and renewal in a time of despair.
This cosmic symbolism links the Christmas Tree to broader patterns found in other traditions, such as Hanukkah, with its miraculous lamp, and Elijah\’s jar of oil that never runs out.
A Symbolic Call to Understanding
Through the Christmas Tree, Pageau invites us to see beyond its festive appearance and appreciate its deeper meaning. It is not merely a decoration but a manifestation of the structure of reality—a visual hymn to the hidden light that sustains creation.
By understanding the tree’s symbolic richness, we can reconnect with the profound truths of the Christmas story and its message of hope, redemption, and divine love.
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Overview
- Length: 25:47
- Channel: Jonathan Pageau
- Categories: Comments
- Views: 7
- Added by: Ironhead Haynes