The Christmon’s Tree and it’s History

The Christmon’s Tree and it’s History Many asked about Christmon’s, or have never heard of them, so here is the History and some pictures. All of them are HANDMADE and should never be sold

An evergreen tree, which symbolizes the eternal life, which our savior has won for us, forms the background for tiny white lights. The lights speak of Him who is the light of the world, and the White and Gold (no other colors are used) Christmon ornaments are an abbreviation of CHRISTMON = CHRIST+MONOgram proclaim the name, the life, and the saving acts of Jesus the Christ. Some Chrismon designs are simple Copies of symbols of Christianity .The symbols used are interdenominational and the heritage of all Christians.

A christmon is a Christian symbol and intended to represent aspects of Jesus Christ the Person, his life or ministry, of Jesus Christ and the life, ministry or history of the Church through a single image, emblem or monogram. The term “Christmon” comes from the Latin phrase “Christi Monogramma”, meaning “monogram of Christ”. By definition, the literal monogram of Christ, which is the Greek letters Χ (“chi”) superimposed upon Ρ (“rho”), is the more commonly named Chi Rho or labarum, which is actually the name of an imperial standard, where the chi rho was employed.

Christmons can be found in all sizes, any sort of construction, and are used in numerous applications. Often, the Ρ is formed to look like a shepherd’s crook and the Χ like a cross, symbolizing Jesus Christ as Good Shepherd of his flock, the Church.

Perhaps most commonly, Christmons are used to adorn liturgical devices and Christmas Trees during Advent and Christmas, where they are made from various materials ranging from needlepoint to beading and more. They can also be found as decorations in and outside of Christian church buildings and homes, and even found on gravestones and personal stationary. A Christmon is always handmade and should never be sold or commercially made. Many of these symbols have histories dating back to the earliest times of the Church. (“Monogram of Christ”) and were used to communicate when Christian’s were persecuted during Roman times.

I headed up a group and taught how to cross stitch and bead these Christmon Ornaments using all Christian Symbols in January of last year. We made 196 Christmon Ornaments all beaded and cross stitched.

The designs (Christian Symbols) were hand drawn by me on white felt for the beaded ornaments, we used white and gold beads. The cross stitched ones were done with gold and pearly white small ribbons which cross stitch a lot better then floss on the #14 Aida, it does not fray as much.

Every Ornament is framed with gimp or cording to look like a beautiful picture when finished up. Every single one of these Christmon’s are handmade, every tiny pearl is stitched, every tiny cross stitch made by hand with our ribbons.

I must say this group of lady’s I met every Wednesday afternoon in my home was just awe inspiring. Our Christmon Tree the past year in our church was looking breathtakingly beautiful and so, so meaningful. Blessings to you all!

 

 

Contributed by Monika of Myeuropeantouch

 

 

 

Tags: art, artisan, Christ, Christian, Christmas, handcrafted, Handmade, Handmade Artists, Handmade Harbor, handmade jewelry, Handmade Products, Ornaments

Posted in Handmade, Handmade Artisans, Handmade Harbor, Information