Christmas Trees

One of the most identifiable images of the Christmas season is the evergreen tree which we know was the Christmas tree. Many different cultures have used them for different symbolic purposes. They were first used as a decorative symbol of eternal life by the Ancient Egyptians.  Chinese, Hebrews, Europeans, Pagans, Vikings, Egyptians, and Druids all worshiped this specific tree. Before Christmas was Christmas and the celebration of the Winter Solstice was popular, Evergreen trees were seen as a blessing and reminder of all the nature and greenery that was soon to blossom and grow after the long winter season. This was because the evergreen tree was the only plant that survived the harsh weather conditions winter brings. People who worshiped the tree in ancient times looked to evergreen trees as a reminder. They believed the sun god wanted them to see the trees as a reminder that he would return soon. The original purpose of the trees was to give people something to look forward to during winter. It was the same thing with the Roman Tradition, Saturnalia. The only differences are that they took the worship to the next level. They would decorate their homes and temples with evergreen branches as a regular reminder (much like other cultures) to look forward to the greenery spring would soon bring. It was also seen as a sign of piece and equality since those were the two main things Saturnalia was about. Pine needles and branches were used as center pieces on tables when slaves and asters would feast together during this time.

                We associate the evergreen tree with Christmas because of its triangular shape.  In the Christian religion, the triangle represents the holy trinity. Since the trees were used symbolically to represent hope and peace, Christians used it in the 12^th century as a symbol to describe the holy trinity of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. It was first hung upside down from ceilings to better represent the relation tied to the holy trinity at Christmas and became the symbol of Christianity as well.

The first decorated tree was documented in 1846. Queen Victoria’s German Prince, Albert brought this custom to England from Germany. People noticed this tradition when the Queen and Prince were seen in a News paper standing around the decorated Christmas tree with their children. Almost automatically, the people of England began to do this since the Queen was doing it. And that is how its popularity grew.

Sources:

http://www.christmasarchives.com/trees.html

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thepastinthepresent/storybehind/whychristmastrees.html

http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-christmas-trees

http://www.christmas-tree.com/where.html

http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/trees.shtml