Chrismon tree

Liturgical Christmas decoration Chrismon Tree on Christmas Eve at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. A Chrismon tree in the chancel of St. Louis King of France Catholic Church in Austin. A Chrismon tree in the nave of St Alban's Anglican Cathedral in Oviedo A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree often placed in the chancel or nave of a church during Advent and Christmastide. The Chrismon tree was first used by North American Lutherans in 1957, although the practice has spread to other Christian denominations, including Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, and the Reformed.

[edit] The Chrismon tree tradition originated at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, in 1957, when Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer volunteered to decorate that year's church Christmas Tree. She designed "numerous ornament from the symbols or 'Monograms' used by early Christians to identify themselves with Christ ... Mrs. Spencer said the tree was not finished until someone came to see it and had the story of Christ explained to them through the Chrismons." Today, Chrismon trees represent an interdenominational "heritage of all Christians." As with the ordinary Christmas trees, the evergreen tree itself, for Christians, "symbolizes the eternal life Jesus Christ provides". However, the Chrismon tree differs from the traditional Christmas tree in that it "is decorated only with clear lights and Chrismons made from white and gold material", the latter two being the liturgical colours of the Christmas season.

[edit] The Chrismon tree is adorned with Chrismons, "ancient symbols for Christ or some part of Christ's ministry: the dove descending down, fish, Celtic cross, Jerusalem cross, shepherd's crook, chalice, shell, and others." Laurence Hull Stookey writes that "because many symbols of the Chrismon tree direct our attention to the nature and ultimate work of Christ, they can be helpful in calling attention to Advent themes." The purpose of a Chrismon tree is to tell a story. The symbols and Monograms tell the story of Christ, his teachings, life, death, and resurrection, as described in Christian scripture. Chrismons also tell stories of tradition, creativity, faith, and ultimately, the love and grace of God, realized through the gift of Christ incarnate.

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The 68th Annual Chrismon Tree at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. In the center of the tree sits a 9-foot-tall Chrismon, titled "The Christian Year Series". It depicts the Holy Trinity and the Church's liturgical calendar. Blue paraments on the altar signify the season of Advent.

Chrismon tree in a private home in Pennsylvania

A Latin cross chrismon hanging on a Chrismon tree

The Chrisman tree adds a visual focus for the liturgical season without the commercial trimmings of a traditional Christmas tree. Its plain green foliage is dressed only with chrismons – symbols such as the Chi‑Rho, the fish, or the shepherd’s crook – each representing an aspect of the Christian faith. This restraint encourages congregants to contemplate the incarnation rather than the material frenzy of December. Because the symbols are simple and repeatable, they work well in churches of any size, from tiny chapels to cathedral naves, making the Chrismon tree a versatile liturgical tool that bridges denominations and highlights Advent’s spiritual message.

When buying a Chrismon tree, opt for a modestly sized, dense evergreen – a Norfolk pine or fir works well – that can be readily secured to a stable base. Avoid overly tall specimens; most churches find a height of 6 to 8 feet sufficient to command attention without overwhelming the chancel. Dress the tree with metal or wooden chrismons that can be reused year after year; aluminium or brass keep a bright finish, while natural wood adds warmth. Position the tree where it can be seen from the nave but does not block the altar or an altar rail. A low‑profile stand with wheels makes repositioning for services or cleaning straightforward.

Many assume a Chrismon tree must be stripped of all ornaments except the symbols, but the tradition actually allows for subtle greenery or simple white lights that enhance visibility without distracting from the symbols. Another myth is that only Lutheran churches may use chrismons; in practice, Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists and other denominations have adopted the practice, each sometimes adding symbols unique to their tradition. Finally, the term “Chrismon” does not refer to a specific plant species – it is the name of the Christian symbols themselves – so the choice of evergreen can be based on practicality and local availability rather than any prescribed type.