118. The Story of the Christmas Tree

People often wonder where the tradition of having a tree in the home during Christmas time originates. We will probably never know for sure. However, several historical clues suggest the origin of this custom. Let’s get stuck into The Story of the Christmas Tree.

An Ancient Symbol

Thousands of years ago, some people believed that evergreen trees possessed magical properties. Even in winter, when all the other trees and greenery were brown and bare, the evergreen stayed strong and green. People saw the evergreen as a symbol of life and as a sure sign that sunshine and spring would soon return.

Candles, or the electric lights we use to decorate our trees today, are also a symbol of ancient origin. They represent the light of spring triumphing over the darkness of winter.

In ancient Rome, people decorated their homes and their temples with greenery during a special December feast. It was a happy time. No battles could be fought; the schools were closed, and people everywhere joined in the carnival-like atmosphere, giving each other presents.

The Modern Tree

So when did the Christmas tree go indoors? Legend has it that the tradition originated with Martin Luther in Germany. He was a Catholic monk and priest who became known as a church reformer and lived from 1483 to 1546. He separated from the Church that Jesus started – the Catholic Church, because he disagreed with how the Pope at the time was running things. When Luther’s disputes were not solved to his satisfaction, he began his own Protestant (protest) movement.

According to legend, Luther was returning home one wintry night when he saw the stars twinkling through the tree branches. Luther was amazed by the sight, and when he arrived home, he was eager to share it with his family. To help them understand, he went to the woods and cut down a small fir tree. Luther brought it indoors and decorated it with candles, which represented the stars he had seen.

The custom spread in Germany and subsequently worldwide. In England, the Christmas tree first appeared when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, who was of German descent. In 1841, Albert set up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle near London to remind him of his homeland.

The Christmas tree custom was brought to the United States by people from England and many German immigrants who came in the 1800s.

But, whatever its origin, the Christmas tree is a beautiful symbol for everyone who celebrates Christmas.

The Legend of the First Christmas Tree

The night of the Saviour’s birth, all the living creatures, both flora and fauna, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought its fruit, and the palm its dates. But the little fir tree had no gift and was so tired it couldn’t resist when the big trees pushed it into the background and hid it from view. But then a nearby angel took pity and commanded a cluster of stars to come and rest on its delicate boughs.

When the Baby Jesus beheld this lovely lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it, declaring henceforth that fir trees should always be filled with lights at Christmastime to please little children.

Merry Christmas to you all as you celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ!

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