It’s beginning to a look a lot like, red and green, Christmas

Visualisation is a great key to retain memory. Not only does it help one remember, but it also helps yield association. One of the most popular visualisations is that of a Christmas tree. No matter the age, when one is asked to draw the image of a Christmas tree or Santa himself, red, white and green will be the most prominent colours of the sketch.

Like with everything in life, this colour code does seem to have an origin. Unfortunately, the origin isn’t singular and the link of Red and green (at least) to Christmas goes back centuries. One of the most popular origins of the colour green is associated with the Celtics.

The Celtic connection to green was sacred and associated with growth, fertility and nature’s cycles. Evergreen plants like the holly (a sacred plant for the Celts) were greatly revered, due to their vibrant nature, during the barren winter. Holly was also believed to provide protection against evil and bad luck. Its evergreen leaves symbolised resilience, while the red berries were thought to bring good fortune.

When Christianity spread through the Celtic regions, it is believed to have absorbed these symbols and rituals to make conversion easier. Talking about Christmas and Christianity, the colour red is linked to the blood shed by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion with the red robes of St. Louis also linked to Santa Claus.

Although, the colours of the Christmas tree are attractive, the spirit of Christmas is delightfully welcomed in the form of Santa Claus, whose colours of white and red have a memorable design. Even though, there are historical derivations for this as well, its presence in pop (popular) culture points to corporate ingenuity.

According to Arielle Eckstut, co-author of Secret Language of Color, the rise of the Christmas palette is attributed to Coca-Cola. Eckstut says Victorian Christmas Cards used a lot of different palettes and often put Santa in blue, green or red robes. However, this changed in 1931.

Coca-Cola played a significant role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus, explains Eckstut. While the company had previously commissioned artists to depict Santa, one particular artist’s rendition stood out. This version portrayed Santa as a plump, jolly figure dressed in red robes—a depiction that closely aligned with Coca-Cola’s branding. According to Eckstut, this imagery became deeply embedded in American culture.

As we gear up and make ready for a festival decorated with timeless hues, the colours of Christmas remind us of their layered origins. Symbolising life in depths of winter, the festival of gift giving renews us of hope. Hope that one must reserve, heading into a new year of uncertainty.