Christmas Traditions - The Christmas Tree

The tradition of the Christmas Tree is sometimes traced back to pre-Christan times when the symbolism of evergreen trees was part of ancient rites and ceremonies.  According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, "The use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands to symbolize eternal life was a custom of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. Tree worship was common among the pagan Europeans and survived their conversion to Christianity in the Scandinavian customs of decorating the house and barn with evergreens at the New Year to scare away the devil and of setting up a tree for the birds during Christmas time." 

By the Middle Ages it was identified as the 'tree of Paradise' in a popular play about Adam and Eve.  The tree represented the Garden of Eden and it was decorated with apples to represent the 'forbidden fruit'.  This celebration also included the promise of a Saviour who would save the world from its sin and so it was often held during the advent season.



 
By the 18th century, it had become popular in most of Germany and was accepted as part of German culture.  It is thought that Martin Luther was responsible for introducing lights, inspired by his journey home one night when he was struck by the beauty of the stars twinking between the leaves of the fir trees he passed.  He decided to recreate the image on a small fir tree inside his house.



In Britian, it was known in the royal family in the early 19th century because of the union between George III and Queen Charlotte of Germany but it was Victoria's husband Prince Albert who made it popular and available to the masses throughout Britain.

Between now and Christmas it is my intention to look at other traditions connected with the festive season.