Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and the fir tree symbolized life during the winter. Legend says that when Jesus was born in the dead of winter, all the trees around the world shook off the snow to reveal new shoots of green. Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim the arrival of the season and to announce the birth of Jesus. These green metal charms have been treated with a protective coating to help prolong their shiny finish. The stainless steel earwires are nickel-free and lead-free.