I can never rememeber the name for these particular ornaments . . .

[Brenda in FL]

I first heard about them on the old forum. They are Christmas ornaments of the symbols of Christianity. I think they may be used more in liturgical churches. Our late grandmother organized the group at her Episcopal church that made them for their tree in the sanctuary. I think they are typically white and are primarily symbols from the ancient church.

 

Does anyone know what I am talking about?

 

Thanks.

 

(ETA: These are different from a Jesse tree). But I found my answer below.

Edited December 4, 2010 by Kblupino

[indigomama]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for but it sounds like Jesse Tree ornaments. Here's a blog with some paper ones and a study for them http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/ .

[Brenda in FL]

Never mind - after I posted I tried a different google search term: "christian symbol ornaments" And found my answer: "Chrismon" is what I was looking for! So now my question changes - does anyone have any good resources for making, using Chrismons during their celebration of Advent or Christmas?

 

I'm thinking that maybe I could do something with the idea for the twelve days of Christmas. Maybe take our regular ornaments off the tree and replacing them with Chrismons each day from 12/26 to 1/6.

[Brenda in FL]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for but it sounds like Jesse Tree ornaments. Here's a blog with some paper ones and a study for them http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/ .

 

Thanks - we do a Jesse Tree, but the concept is different. If you're interested see my post below.

[Guest Dulcimeramy]

I'd never heard of this so I googled, and look what I found:

 

Chrismon patterns there are explanations, pictures, and instructions, as well.

[KarenNC]

Never mind - after I posted I tried a different google search term: "christian symbol ornaments" And found my answer: "Chrismon" is what I was looking for! So now my question changes - does anyone have any good resources for making, using Chrismons during their celebration of Advent or Christmas?

 

I'm thinking that maybe I could do something with the idea for the twelve days of Christmas. Maybe take our regular ornaments off the tree and replacing them with Chrismons each day from 12/26 to 1/6.

 

In the church where I grew up, we made them out of beading wire, "pearl" and "gold" beads. If you google "Chrismons" you'll see patterns for cross-stitch, cardboard, styrofoam, felt, beaded, etc versions of various symbols. There seem to be a number of pattern books one could buy (maybe your library would have one?). As I remember, they were the only ornaments used to decorate a tree that was placed in the sanctuary, but I don't remember much else (this was back in the 70s).

 

One website mentioned that you could use these for an Easter tree or cross as well.

[mcconnellboys]

http://www.christiancrafters.com/chrismontree.html

 

http://www.sundayschoolkids.com/activity-christmas/1-c-chrismons-kit-vol1-instru.htm

 

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2004/11/How-To-Make-A-Chrismon-Tree.aspx

[Brenda in FL]

Thanks - lots to go look at!! I like the idea of using them for Easter as well!!