What is the origin of the christmas tree?

Question

What is the origin of the christmas tree? when did it first appear in the UK and whay do we decorate it?

Answer 1

there's too many interpretations about it, have a look:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree#History

Answer 2

The actual modern interpretation says that Christmas trees started in Germany over 1000 years ago when the Germans were converted to Christianity. They had discovered some pagans worshipping an oak tree and the tree was cut down. A fir tree grew from where the oak tree was cut down and it was seen as an omen supporting Christianity. They began to decorate fir trees at Christmas in celebration of that event.

The actual tradition of Christmas trees may have predated Christ though. Egyptians used to have mystical and religious fascination of evergreens as well as many other pagan cultures throughout Europe.

Have a nice day.

Answer 3

The tradition comes from Norway. They gave a tree to the UK and ever since the UK has imitated their tradition.

Of course, that's only half of the story as, like the yule dog, the origins of tree dressing will go back to the pre-christian roots of these islands.

Answer 4

Centuries ago in Great Britain, woods priests called Druids used evergreens during mysterious winter solstice rituals. The Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life, and place evergreen branches over doors to keep away evil spirits.

Late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Our modern Christmas tree evolved from these early traditions.

Legend has it that Martin Luther began the tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas. One crisp Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a little fir tree indoors so he could share this story with his children. He decorated it with candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.

Answer 5

It first appeared in the uK when Queen Victoria married a german and he brought the tradition with him (and cards).

Bringing grrenery into the house in winter is a pagan thing. German pagans used to sacrifice people and things by hanging them from trees. So your christmas tree is actually a reminder of pagen sacrifices in ancient germany.

Answer 6

the tree symbolizes an erect penis,and is a Pagan left over of the phalic worship of the golden penis of Horus.
many Pagan cults and customs were blended with Christianity to make the transition easier for people ,from Paganism.


Santa Claus comes from a Laplander magic mushroom cult who took Amanitya muscara.
the Laplanders followed the reindeer who ate the mushrooms,then when they urinated the people caught the golde3n liquid in a bowel and drank it.
when they got high they had the feeling that they could fly and all sensation left the limbs
Many ended up in the chimneys trying t get to the roofs.

Hence the flying reindeer and Santa coming down the chimney.

so the next time when your kids ask you why the tree you know what to tell them, the stoned Santa is trying to get to the penis of Horus

Answer 7

I thought Norway gave us a massive tree at some point as a present or something and they still give us a tree that goes up in london every year

Answer 8

It all started out when an early German king (ie local lord) cut down an oak tree and felt bad, so he put it back up with candles on it to say sorry to the winter deities.

The Victorians took the tradition and put all the trimmings we know and love today on it!

I'll dig around for the proper definition too...

Answer 9

its 1fst apearence in the UK i wouldnt know but its origin comes from germany , because the pine trees were the only ones to remain green in wintertime so it became a "symbol" of hope... hence, they adopted it as a Xmas mark.

Answer 10

Long before Christianity.