The colours we associate with Christmas today have origins going back hundreds of years. While Christmas colours have evolved over time, there are certain traditional colour palettes that evoke the Christmas season. In this article, we’ll explore the history and symbolism behind classic Christmas colour combinations like red and green, gold and silver, blue and white. We’ll also look at how these colour schemes are used in Christmas decorations, fashion, food and more.
Red and Green
The most iconic Christmas colour scheme is red and green. This combination stems from the use of holly and mistletoe as Christmas greenery.
| Holly Plants | Have glossy green leaves with red berries |
| Mistletoe | Has green leaves and milky white berries |
These traditional Christmas plants provided the inspiration for the classic red and green pairing. Using red and green together evokes images of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, holiday wreaths and other Christmas symbols.
Red symbolizes the blood of Christ and the Christian beliefs underpinning the celebration of Christmas. Green represents growth, life and fertility. In pagan traditions, green symbolized the eternal life of the natural world through the winter.
Red and green are extensively used in Christmas decor. Christmas trees are often decorated with red ornaments, bows and tinsel alongside the green fir branches. Mantels, staircases and other areas are draped in greens like pine branches, fir trees, holly and mistletoe with red berries, flowers, bows and accents.
The traditional Christmas palette is commonly seen in apparel and fashion accessories. Santa Claus is always clad in red and white trimmed in green. Ugly Christmas sweaters often feature bold red and green fair isle patterns. Classic red and green plaid designs appear on pajamas, shirts, dresses and more. Characteristic red poinsettias stand out against green houseplants and wreaths.
In food, red and green makes frequent appearances. Red and green M&M’s and holiday M&M’s blend the iconic chocolate candies with Christmas colours. Peppermint sticks mix red and white striped candy with green mint flavor. Radishes, cherry tomatoes, red apples and pomegranates provide red garnishes for green salads. Green beans and Brussels sprouts pair with red meats and sauces on Christmas dinner menus.
Gold and Silver
The sparkling colours of gold and silver evoke the magic of the Christmas season. These metallic shades add shimmer and shine to holiday decor.
The tradition of gold and silver Christmas decor ties back to the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to honour the baby Jesus. Gold symbolizes the wealth and value of their gift to the newborn king.
Silver represents purity and brilliance. The dazzling luminosity of silver decor illuminates the long nights of winter. Silver and gold together convey the mystical joy and solemn reverence of the Christmas story.
Gold and silver decorations bedeck Christmas trees big and small. Tinsel garlands in silver and gold festoon branches. Ornaments in these glittering tones depict nutcrackers, snowflakes, stars, bells and other nostalgic designs. Golden velvet bows dress up wreaths of evergreen boughs.
Table centerpieces feature pinecones, candles and poinsettias in gold and silver coloured vases. Place settings get finished with gold or silver chargers. Golden reindeer, silver snowflakes and gleaming Christmas trees adorn mantels and sideboards. Stockings in gold and silver brocades wait for Santa???s gifts.
Edible gold and silver add some literal sparkle to holiday treats. Gold leaf, gold sprinkles and silver drag??es elevate Christmas cookies, cakes, chocolates and more with their eye-catching shine. Miniature glasses filled with gold and silver balls and beads become festive drink stirrers.
Blue and White
While less ubiquitous than red and green, the palette of blue and white has its own old-fashioned Christmas charm. These cool tones evoke a snowy winter wonderland.
Blue symbolizes calmness, contemplation and tranquility. Its peaceful hue amid the energetic holiday season represents spiritual reflection. Light blue also connects to snow and ice crystals shimmering under a pale winter sky.
White represents purity and innocence, harkening to the newborn Jesus as the lamb of God. Crisp white linens and porcelain recall cherished family traditions around the Christmas table.
Together blue and white create a serene, elegant mood. Their cool palette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm reds and golds of other Christmas colour schemes.
Blue and white Christmas decor looks especially beautiful touched with silver and sparkle. White trees glitter with blue lights and ornaments. Porcelain figurines like nutcrackers and angels shine against blue tablecloths. Delicate paper snowflakes drift across mantels and walls. Wreaths combine icy blue accents with silvery pinecones and frozen berries.
Beyond decor, blue and white appears in Christmas baking and crafts. Snowflake sugar cookies iced in blue and white look like edible snowflakes. Linzer cookies sandwich frosty white icing between blue cookie wreaths. Simple blue and white striped candy canes handmade with kids are a sweet project.
Conclusion
Christmas colour palettes carry on beloved traditions and symbolism passed down through generations. The vibrant reds and greens, glittering gold and silver, peaceful blues and whites create an atmosphere unique to the holiday season. However you choose to incorporate these classic Christmas colour combinations in decor, fashion, food and crafts, they will fill your celebrations with nostalgic yuletide spirit.