What Are the Historical Origins of The Christmas Tree?

A Christmas tree decorated with lights, glitter, and gifts is a treat to the eyes. It is the most special centerpiece during the festival time.

It always holds a special feeling to cherish every single moment of gathering a Christmas items list with your loved ones.

But have you ever wondered what the historical origins of the Christmas tree are? Where it all started, and how?

Even before the advent of Christmas and Christianity, the evergreen trees were used to celebrate the festivals of the winter season.

The European Pagans used the branches of such trees for decoration to live up to the spirit of winter.

The idea of using evergreen trees for decoration represents welcoming new life and hope through the darkness of winter.

Do you care enough to know more? Keep reading!

Christmas Tree and its Origins

The Christmas tree holds its history back to thousands of years when evergreen trees were used during winter festivals.

The evergreen trees represent fertility and, thus, hold a very special place.

1. Pagan Origin Of Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree’s origin can be traced to ancient pagan customs.

December 21st or 22nd is known to have the shortest day and the longest night.

Thus, during the ancient era, this time was seen when strength returned to the sun, which was otherwise weakened during the winters.

The evergreen plants represented that life will glow again, and soon, summers can be expected.

These trees also symbolize surviving the harsh winter and the promise of renewal.

It all started when Boniface (English Benedictine Monk) saw the native Germans and Pagans sacrificing in front of an Oak tree.

To stop them from worshiping a false idol, Boniface felled the tree.

Soon, a fir tree grew out of the fallen Oak tree, which became the symbol of Christ.

As the fir tree was triangular, it represented trinity and became the symbol of new life.

This is one of the main historical origins of the Christmas tree and the tradition of bringing them home.

2. The German Origin Of The Christmas Tree

The decorating of Christmas trees originates back to the 16th century during German times.

This era played an important role in shaping the idea of decorating and celebrating Christmas trees, which we do presently.

The devout Christians in Germany started the tradition of decorating the Christmas trees at their home.

The use of evergreen trees represented their eternal faith in Jesus Christ. Christians decorated the trees with nuts, apples, and gingerbread.

With the rising popularity of the evergreen trees, the wood (used for Christmas trees) became scarce.

Thus, many people made Christmas pyramids out of other wood and decorated them with branches of evergreen trees.

Moreover, they also used candles and other decorations, creating an eye-catching display.

The addition of candles to the Christmas tree started with Martin Luther – the Protestant Reformers.

While walking back home on one freezing winter night, he was amazed by the beauty of a starry sky and the evergreen trees.

Inspired by the beauty, he recreated the same scene using the evergreen tree and candles symbolizing the stars.

This incident was amongst the early incidents of using candles on a Christmas tree and is followed to date.

Later, as Germans emigrated to various parts of the world, the Christmas tree tradition also became widespread and gained popularity.

3. The American Origin Of The Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree originated in Germany but gained immense popularity with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert during the 1840s and 1850s.

Queen Victoria’s mother was German; thus, she had a decorated Christmas tree at home during the Christmas time.

However, the concept of a decorated Christmas tree was not popular in America until a picture of the royal family around a Christmas tree was displayed in London News.

This was the first reign of Victoria and soon became fashionable with others as well.

Within no time, the East Coast American Society was seen celebrating around the decorated Christmas trees during winter.

The same image of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert was again published in the Godey’s Lady’s Book U.S., adding to the Christmas tree’s popularity.

It was amongst the first few widely spread pictures of the decorated Christmas tree, so it soon became a tradition in the US.

Christmas Tree In Today’s Time

In the present time, Christmas trees are available in different shapes and sizes.

You can get all varieties, from the original fir tree to the artificial tree, without hassles.

Millions of people worldwide adopt the spirit of decorating the Christmas tree.

While in many parts of the world, it still represents the divine meaning of Christianity.

It is also a blessed celebration time in many other parts.

The Christmas tree decoration has come a long way, but the tradition of placing the gifts under the tree and preparing ham and turkey links back to ancient times.

Final Thoughts

Decorating the Christmas tree is a timeless tradition that holds its roots in the Pagan time.

It is a cherished practice holding eternal significance for Christians and represents faith, new life, and positivity.

The heart of this celebration is an evergreen tree that retains its greens even during the harsh winters.

This serves as a reminder of hope and welcoming new life blessed by Jesus Christ.

As the evergreen tree maintains its vibrancy during the winter chills, it symbolizes eternal life through Christ’s resurrection.

Aren’t the historical origins of the Christmas tree amazing? Share your thoughts in the comment section.