On December 1, the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset will celebrate the Hanging of the Greens, a holiday tradition begun seven years ago to celebrate the first Sunday in Advent.

Hanging greens is a tradition rooted in ancient Druid, Celt, Norse and Roman civilizations that celebrated the winter solstice around December 21. It was believed that the color green represented eternal life, and plants that remained green throughout the year played an important role in these celebrations.

As pagan cultures converted to Christianity, they continued many of the traditional winter solstice activities including the hanging of greens to decorate their homes and churches at Christmas.

The special service will feature presentation of greens to adorn the sanctuary in the shapes of a star, heart, cross and circle accompanied by a Bible passage highlighting the meaning of the special greenery: The star represents the Star of Bethlehem; the heart wreath symbolizes God’s love; the cross, the crucifixion and resurrection; and the circle wreath, eternal love.

On December 7, the town Christmas tree will be lit followed by hot chocolate and cookies in the church Fellowship Hall.

During each Sunday service in Advent, a candle will be lit on the Advent wreath to signal the coming of Christmas, a sacred Christian holiday.

On December 24, the Christmas Eve candlelight service with special music begins at 7 p.m.

December 29, the Christmas Carol service with traditional readings will be held at 10 a.m.

All services are open to the public and the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset holds services each Sunday regardless of weather. Please visit uccwiscasset.org for more information.