Top for Christmas Tree: Origins of the Star and Angel

As Christmas approaches and homes across the world are adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, and ornaments, one tradition remains consistent—placing a topper on the Christmas tree. This crowning decoration, whether it's a star, an angel, or a creative alternative, has become an iconic part of the holiday season. But have you ever wondered where the tradition of the Christmas tree topper comes from, and what it actually symbolizes?

In this post, we’ll take a deeper dive into the history and meaning behind the most popular Christmas tree toppers—the star and the angel—along with the evolution of this beloved holiday custom.

The Star: A Guiding Light
Arguably the most popular and traditional Christmas tree topper, the star has a deep connection to Christian symbolism, specifically the story of the Star of Bethlehem. According to the biblical narrative, a bright star appeared in the sky to guide the Wise Men (or Magi) to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. The star signified the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah and is often considered a symbol of divine guidance, hope, and salvation.

The use of a star on top of the Christmas tree reflects this spiritual significance. By placing a star at the highest point of the tree, many families are visually representing the guiding light that led the Wise Men to Jesus. The star also symbolizes Christ’s birth and the arrival of hope into the world. In this way, the star acts as a beacon of faith, drawing attention to the true meaning of Christmas.

The tradition of placing a star atop the tree is thought to have originated in Germany during the 16th century, where Christmas trees were first widely adopted. By the 19th century, the practice had spread to other parts of Europe and the United States, becoming a common feature of Christmas tree decoration. While the star itself has evolved over time in terms of design—from simple wooden or metal stars to glittering, multi-pointed versions—it has always retained its powerful symbolic meaning.

The Angel: A Heavenly Messenger
While the star is a favorite choice, the angel is another common and highly meaningful Christmas tree topper. In Christian tradition, angels are central to the nativity story. It was an angel who first announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the good news with a message of peace and joy. Angels also represent divine presence and heavenly messengers, bridging the gap between humanity and the sacred.

The angel atop the tree is a reminder of this divine announcement and its message of hope and goodwill. Historically, angels have been depicted in many different ways—sometimes as beautiful, winged figures holding a trumpet, other times as simple, serene beings with hands held in prayer. The angel tree topper can also represent the idea of heavenly protection, with the angel symbolizing the watchful eyes of the divine over the family and the home during the Christmas season.

In addition to the religious symbolism, the angel topper is often associated with feelings of peace, purity, and the Christmas spirit. The angel’s presence at the top of the tree can also serve as a reminder of the angels who filled the skies above Bethlehem, singing praises to God and bringing joy to the world.

The use of angelic figures as tree toppers became popular in the 19th century, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe. The tradition gained traction as more families adopted the custom of decorating Christmas trees with elaborate ornaments. Today, angels come in many forms, from traditional figurines to modern, whimsical designs, but they continue to hold deep meaning for those who choose to include them in their holiday displays.

The Evolution of the Tradition
The tradition of placing a topper on the Christmas tree didn’t always exist in the form we recognize today. In fact, early Christmas trees—dating back to 16th-century Germany—weren’t decorated with toppers at all. Instead, they were adorned with candles, fruit, nuts, and even small figurines, with no special focus on the top of the tree.

As the custom spread throughout Europe, tree decorations evolved. By the 19th century, when Christmas trees became more elaborate and widely used in Western countries, the idea of crowning the tree with a decorative topper began to take shape. While the star and angel became the most popular choices, other toppers were also used, such as ribbons, bows, and even more whimsical or thematic figures. For instance, in some cultures, a simple bird or a crown might be placed on top of the tree, symbolizing the royalty of Christ or the beauty of creation.

In some European countries, particularly in Germany, the tradition of placing a small Christmas figure such as a saint or a nativity scene at the top of the tree persisted for some time. However, by the early 20th century, the star and angel had emerged as the most iconic tree toppers, a trend that has largely remained consistent.

Why Do We Use Toppers?
So, why do we go through the trouble of placing a topper on the Christmas tree in the first place? Beyond its symbolic importance, the tree topper serves a very practical and aesthetic function—it provides a sense of completion to the overall tree design. When decorating a Christmas tree, the topper is the final flourish, crowning the tree and giving it a balanced, finished look. It visually draws the eye upward, emphasizing the height and beauty of the tree.

For many families, the act of placing the topper on the tree becomes a special moment. It's a tradition that often involves everyone gathering around the tree, with some families even making a ceremony out of it. In some households, the youngest child is given the honor of placing the tree topper, adding an extra layer of excitement and significance to the tradition.

Modern Interpretations of the Christmas Tree Topper
Today, while the star and angel remain the most traditional toppers, there are countless other options for those looking to add a personal touch to their tree. Some families opt for non-religious toppers, such as whimsical figures of Santa Claus, snowmen, or even animals. Others may choose a more minimalistic or contemporary approach, with sleek, modern toppers like geometric shapes, metallic stars, or handcrafted ornaments that reflect their individual style.

The choice of tree topper often comes down to personal preference and family traditions. Some may choose to honor religious symbolism, while others may opt for a more secular approach to their holiday decorations. Regardless of the style, the tree topper continues to hold a place of honor, signifying the end of the decorating process and marking the completion of the Christmas tree.

Conclusion
The tradition of placing a topper on the Christmas tree is a rich blend of Christian symbolism, holiday cheer, and family tradition. Whether you choose a star to represent the light of Christ, an angel to remind you of divine protection, or something more personal or whimsical, the topper serves as a meaningful and beautiful finishing touch to the holiday season.

As you gather with your loved ones this Christmas, take a moment to reflect on the significance of the tree topper in your own celebration. Whether it’s a shining star or a serene angel, it’s more than just a decoration—it’s a symbol of the hope, joy, and peace that Christmas brings to the world. So, as you crown your tree this year, know that you’re continuing a centuries-old tradition that connects generations of families and cultures, all celebrating the magic of the holiday season