chrismons

Chrismons are Christian ornaments traditionally used on Christmas trees. The word "Chrismon" is a portmanteau of "Christ" and "monogram." These ornaments are typically made of white and gold materials, symbolizing the purity of Christ and his divinity, respectively. Common designs include crosses, fish, doves, and the Chi-Rho symbol, which is one of the earliest Christian symbols formed by superimposing the first two Greek letters of Christ, Chi (X) and Rho (P).

The practice of creating Chrismons originated in the United States with the Reverend John R. Martin. In 1957, he began designing and making Chrismons at a church in Virginia, intending to create ornaments that were distinctly Christian and could be used year after year. The goal was to offer a tangible representation of the religious meaning of Christmas, moving away from purely secular decorations.

Chrismons are often handmade, allowing for personal expression and the inclusion of symbolic elements significant to the maker or the Christian faith. They are usually hung on evergreen trees, which themselves hold symbolic meaning in Christianity, representing eternal life. The act of decorating a tree with Chrismons is seen as a devotional practice, focusing on the birth of Jesus Christ. While originally a Lutheran initiative, the tradition of Chrismons has spread to other Christian denominations.