The color combination of red and green together automatically leads us to think of the Christmas season; but what are the origins of the duo that steer us to that train of thought? Here are a few explanations based on historical fact and Christian faith.

In the 14th Century, churches celebrated Miracle Plays which were a means of bringing religious education to the illiterate. One play, The Paradise Play, was presented each December 24th and was the story of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. As there was no way to provide an apple tree in the middle of winter, a pine tree with apples tied to the branches served as the Tree of Good and Evil. This became a popular prop among the many churches and soon it became a tradition.

In Germany, the Paradise Tree was so popular that people began erecting pine trees in their homes and decorating them with apples. Soon this tradition spread as well, giving birth to our modern-day Christmas tree, and the colors of red for the apples and green for the pine tree became a symbol of the Christmas season.

In the Christian faith, the color green is a symbol of hope for eternal life that Jesus Christ offers. Evergreen trees, which remain alive and green throughout the year, expand on that representation.

The color red is intended to symbolize the blood of Christ, which was shed for all people so that they could be saved. The holly berry, with its green leaves and red berries is meant to symbolize both life and blood and as such has become a popular Christmas staple.

In the advertising business, the Coca Cola company began a marketing campaign in 1931 magazine ads featuring Santa Claus as a jolly rotund man in a bright red suit. Created by artist Haddon Sundblom, this red image of Santa has continued on to present day in many countries.

Whatever the reason, and for more centuries to come, the colors red and green will always be associated with the Christmas season.