At Christmastime, many of us place a star on top of the tree.
Do you ever wonder why?
Do you ever wonder why?
The 18th century witnessed the inception of placing a single, large candle at the Christmas tree’s apex, embodying the Star of Bethlehem that guided Wise Men to the town in the nativity story from over 2,000 years ago.
According to the gospel of Matthew in chapter 2 (verses 9-10) in the New Testament Bible, a bright star appeared in the eastern sky when Jesus was born. Wise men from the East were inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem.
“They departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
“They departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
The Star of Bethlehem
A star can signify an enduring attitude, the faith that there will be light at the end of a difficult journey.
This star marked a promise fulfilled. A promise made by the God of the Old Testament about the coming of his chosen person to bring peace, healing, and forgiveness to the world.
The star represented hope for humanity.
A popular scientific explanation suggested by 17th century astronomer, Johannes Kepler, considered that the Star of Bethlehem reported by the wise men was a nova or supernova explosion. Other scientists propose this extra bright star occurrence could be a Conjunction, when two stars cross paths to appear aligned and extra bright from our point of view.
Physically, stars are celestial objects, balls of fire that illuminate the dark expanse of the night sky, the Universe. Many ancient cultures observed the stars during the longest, darkest nights of the Winter Solstice each year with a belief that there’s still beauty to be found even while surrounded in darkness. Stars were incorporated into their celebrations, associating them with the light overcoming darkness. After the shortest day, daylight gradually makes a comeback.
Lights from stars during the Winter Solstice signify new beginnings, reawakening and rebirth.
Even before the “Christmas tree” ancient cultures would honor the branches of the Cosmic Tree during the Winter Solstice. The Tree of Paradise of rebirth and immortality, New Year and fresh beginnings, lights and gifts, shining by night. “Each light is a soul and the lights also represent the sun, moon, and stars shining in the branches.” (DK Books – Signs & Symbols, An Illustrated Guide to Their Origins and Meanings)
stars often signify a bridge between the earthly and the divine, suggesting that higher powers are watching over us.
A star as enlightenment represents the light of knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance. In academics and other fields, a gold star often indicates high performance or distinction. Examples include Five-Star Reviews on Amazon, Five-Star Hotels, Hollywood Stars, Michelin Star restaurants, etc.
This association makes the star a symbol of accomplishment, aspiration, or respect.
The star as a symbol can represent a guide, a constant or a beacon that provides direction when one feels lost or unsure. The North Star has been a reliable reference point for orientation due to its consistent position in the northern sky.
Therefore, stars can suggest inner guidance, following one’s intuition, or a moral compass.
We are made from the same substance as stardust. Most of the elements in our bodies were created in stars over billions of years: oxygen in our lungs, carbon in our muscles, calcium in our bones and iron in our blood.
Pages from my book, Yoga Shapes!
As we can see, stars have much value as do YOU!
The divine starlight in me honors the divine starlight in you!
Namaste
Learn More about Shape Symbolism and Yoga in my 1st Children's Book,
Yoga Shapes:
an Interactive and Fun Kids Guide to 8 Shapes as Yoga Poses.
Get ready to discover the joyful benefits of simple yoga poses through award-winning writer Hannah Faulkner Roman’s innovative and interactive new children’s book, “Yoga Shapes!”
What's inside the book:
- Delightful read-aloud rhymes that inspire kids to call out and form shapes with their bodies
-Meanings of each shape woven into the prose
-Descriptions of the benefits of each posture
- Charming illustrations decorated with shape collage paper doll attire
- Engaging coloring pages and a paper doll activity as a bonus to make the learning even more fun
Benefits of these Yoga Postures:
-Improve physical flexibility, balance, and strength
-Boost body awareness, mental focus, and attention
-Build coordination, persistence and confidence
-Foster a sense of connection, self-soothing, and calm
-Spark hope and creativity
For fans of “Good Morning Yoga” and “I Am Yoga,” this book is a must-read. Don’t wait any longer to give your child the gift of balance and empowerment.
Let’s make the world a better place through mindful movement!
What's inside the book:
- Delightful read-aloud rhymes that inspire kids to call out and form shapes with their bodies
-Meanings of each shape woven into the prose
-Descriptions of the benefits of each posture
- Charming illustrations decorated with shape collage paper doll attire
- Engaging coloring pages and a paper doll activity as a bonus to make the learning even more fun
Benefits of these Yoga Postures:
-Improve physical flexibility, balance, and strength
-Boost body awareness, mental focus, and attention
-Build coordination, persistence and confidence
-Foster a sense of connection, self-soothing, and calm
-Spark hope and creativity
For fans of “Good Morning Yoga” and “I Am Yoga,” this book is a must-read. Don’t wait any longer to give your child the gift of balance and empowerment.
Let’s make the world a better place through mindful movement!