What Do You Call a Christmas Tree Topper?

United States / United Kingdom

• Christmas tree topper
• Star tree topper
• Angel tree topper

Haha, I believe the most familiar term for everyone is the US or UK’s Christmas tree toppers. In their culture, tree top decorations serve not just as festive adornments, but also embody significant religious and cultural meanings.

The star tree topper signifies the Star of Bethlehem, embodying guidance, hope, and salvation. The star tree topper comes in various shapes, such as the traditional five-pointed star, six-pointed star, eight-pointed star, Star of David, Moravian star, and more. The design featuring a star shape exhibits a variety of forms. The function stands out, featuring integrated LED light alongside projection models that display the stars or various patterns.

The angel tree topper symbolizes the angel who proclaimed the birth of Jesus, embodying the festive spirit of joy and hope. Angel tree toppers come in a range of design styles, featuring both classic robe designs and contemporary minimalist options. The functions are innovative, featuring lighted angel tree toppers and Christmas angel tree toppers with moving wings. To find more detailed information about star and angel tree topper styles, you can click here to learn more.

Germany

• Christmas tree topper – Weihnachtsbaumspitze
• Star tree topper – Weihnachtsbaumspitze stern or baumspitze stern
• Angel tree topper – Weihnachtsbaumspitze engel

In German, the word for star is “stern”, and the word for Christmas tree is “weihnachtsbaum”. “Spitze” means top or spike, so the combination “weihnachtsbaumspitze stern” means “the star on top of the Christmas tree.” Baumspitze Stern is short for “Baum” — tree. It is less formal than the full form and can be used in daily spoken language.

In the same way, the German term for angel is “engel”, so the angel tree topper is “weihnachtsbaumspitze engel”.

Germany, known as the birthplace of the modern Christmas tree tradition, boasts a unique and profound cultural heritage in treetop decorations.

Star Tree Topper

Germany’s star tree topper features handcrafted wooden stars from the Erzgebirge region, crafted from local woods such as maple, beech, and basswood, which are meticulously cut, carved, and planed into classic stars.

What makes it even more unique is that artisans also integrate spanbaum elements into the stars – a delicate decoration created by a chisel that pushes curled wood chips to the tip around the wood blank. The intricate designs set stars apart, preserving the rustic feel of traditional woodcraft while infusing a touch of grace and fluidity, rendering them among the most iconic adornments on the German Christmas tree.

Angel Tree Topper

In Germany, alongside the classic, elegant angel tree topper, there is also a fondness for the distinctive “Rauschgoldengel” (gold foil angel). This decoration for the Christmas tree is not only gorgeous but also embodies the profound significance of being a “messenger from heaven,” representing joy, hope, and salvation.

The classic Rauschgoldengel is crafted from metal foil, like brass or antique metal foil, producing a clear metallic sound when softly shaken. The head is crafted from porcelain, wax, or wood, featuring a finely painted face. It is adorned in a stunning robe, with its arms crossed and an air of dignity. It sparkles with gold, preserving the distinctive glossy quality of “Rauschgold”. It is solemn and elegant overall.

This distinctive angel originated during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). According to legend, a doll maker in Nuremberg, grieving the loss of his beloved daughter, crafted an angel from “Rauschgold” (a type of metal foil). The angel bore the likeness of his daughter, yet possessed wings reminiscent of the baby Jesus. This creation of missing her eventually transformed into a symbol of the German Christmas tradition.

By the way, Rauschgoldengel serves as a classic decoration on the Christmas tree for German families and stands as a symbol of the Nuremberg Christmas market. On Pirckheimerstraße, a magnificent gold foil angel gracefully hangs high in the air,  extending a warm welcome to tourists from across the globe. Its petite and elegant version has emerged as one of the most sought-after Christmas keepsakes.

Spain

• Star tree topper – Estrella de Navidad
• Angel tree topper – Angel de Navidad

In Spanish, “estrella” is star, “Navidad” means Christmas, and “ángel” refers to angel. “de Navidad” translates to of Christmas, particularly about decorations associated with the holiday. Noun modifiers in Spanish are typically positioned after the noun, so star tree topper is “estrella de Navidad”, and the angel tree topper is “ángel de Navidad”.

It is worth noting that “estrella de Navidad” incorporates elements of religious culture and directly corresponds to the Estrella de Belén (Star of Bethlehem) mentioned in the Bible. In the Spanish Christmas tradition, “Estrella de Navidad” is not only a star, but also a religious symbol.

Following prevalent European and American customs, the Spanish typically select a star as the decoration for the treetop. This radiant “estrella de Navidad” represents the Star of Bethlehem that led the three wise men to the newborn Jesus. Within Spanish households and communal areas, this star not only brightens the Christmas tree but also signifies the light of hope and faith.

It is worth mentioning that the Spanish traditionally have focused more on the arrangement of “Belén” (a depiction of the nativity scene), but it is now increasingly merging with Christmas tree toppers. The star atop the tree resonates with the star in Belén, forming a unity.

Simultaneously, the “ángel de Navidad” enjoys considerable popularity. The image of the angel symbolizes Gabriel, who brought the joyful news to the shepherds, embodying the Christmas message of peace and happiness. Some individuals select both decorations, and some even alternate between stars and angels based on various themes each year.

Italy

• Christmas tree topper – Puntale albero Natale
• Star tree topper – Puntale a stella per albero di Natale
• Angel tree topper – Angelo puntale albero di Natale

In Italian, “puntale” refers to top decoration, “stella” means star, “Natale” means Christmas, “angelo” stands for angel, and “per albero di Natale” means for Christmas tree.

So the term “star tree topper” is translated into Italian as “puntale a stella per albero di Natale.” The angel tree topper is referred to as “angelo puntale albero di Natale”. “Angolo” serves as the main noun, while “puntale” acts as the modifier, similar to “angel topper”.

Furthermore, the Italian Christmas star is known as “stella di Natale”. This term carries a dual significance in Italian. It denotes the Star of Bethlehem that adorns the pinnacle of the Christmas tree, and it also refers to a vibrant red holiday flower – the poinsettia. The red bracts of this plant are arranged in a radial pattern, forming a perfect star shape, and its structure evokes the Star of Bethlehem, resembling a radiant star.

Poinsettia has become a significant aspect of Italian holiday decorations due to its vibrant red bracts and deep green leaves. The red hue signifies the blood of Jesus during the crucifixion, while the green embodies eternal life, akin to an evergreen tree that retains its leaves throughout the seasons. Certain Italian families position a poinsettia in a pot beside their Christmas trees, enabling the natural “stella di Natale” to enhance the tree and craft a distinctive holiday scene.

Poland

• Star tree topper – Gwiazda na czubek choinki
• Angel tree topper – Czubek na choinkę anioł

In Polish, “gwiazda” means star, “anioł” means angel, “czubek” means top, “choinkę” means Christmas tree, and “na choinkę” refers to on the Christmas tree.

Therefore, the term for a star tree topper is “gwiazda na czubek choinkę,” which translates to “star on the Christmas tree.”

The angel tree topper is called “czubek na choinkę anioł”. Poland is a nation with deep Catholic roots, and “anioł” represents a significant religious figure, such as Gabriel. When “anioł” is used as a decoration, it is essential to place “czubek” in front to clarify its position (top of the tree) and prevent any confusion with “anioł” in a religious context.

Many Polish families opt for a star as the decoration for the treetop. This “gwiazda” represents the Star of Bethlehem that led the three wise men from the East. This decision embodies the unwavering quest of the Polish people for illumination and optimism. During the chilly winter nights in Poland, the radiant star atop the tree has emerged as a comforting emblem of family gatherings and the passing down of faith.

Among them, Poland takes great pride in a traditional star treetop decoration known as “jeżyki” (meaning “little hedgehog”), which is more widely recognized internationally as the “Polish Star”. Typically crafted from 25 layers of meticulously cut round tissue paper, these decorations are stacked to create dense spikes. The resulting shape resembles both a radiant star and an adorable hedgehog. It is commonly used as a Christmas tree topper or hanging decoration, serving as a lovely decorative embellishment.

Conclusion

What do you call a Christmas tree topper? Each country possesses its own name. This blog presents the names of Christmas tree toppers from five different countries, allowing you to appreciate the unique charm of Christmas culture in different places. Whether it is the classic five-pointed star tree topper or the finely crafted gold foil angel from Germany, these Christmas tree toppers serve as more than mere decorations; they embody tradition and culture.

When you gather with your family at Christmas, in addition to sharing timeless holiday tales, you can talk to your children about the unique names of Christmas tree toppers of various countries, experiencing the diverse Christmas atmospheres. After all, the true allure of the Christmas tree lies in its ability to bring together the brilliance of different cultures at its pinnacle, creating a distinctive holiday joy.

May your treetop decoration not only illuminate the space but also light up your curiosity and affection for the world.