is a christmas tree a pagan symbol?

Answer 1

It used to be. The druids used evergreen and mistletoe in their pagan rituals. Today, it is a Christmas symbol. Just like many of the hymns that are sung in churches today, used to be old German beer songs. The people liked the tune so they put Christian words to them. God can always take something bad and make something good out of it. Just look at what He has done with us.

Answer 2

Yes.The exact origin of the Christmas tree seems under debate, but it is safe to say that this symbol evolved from Pagan tradition.

The Norse pagans and Celtic Druids revered evergreens as manifestations of deity because they did not "die" from year to year but stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. The trees represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.

The druids decorated their trees with symbols of prosperity -- a fruitful harvest, coins for wealth and various charms such as those for love or fertility. Scandinavian Pagans are thought to be the first to bring their decorated trees indoors as this provided a warm and welcoming environment for the native fairy folk and tree elementals to join in the festivities. The Saxons, a Germanic pagan tribe, were the first to place lights on the their trees in the form of candles.

Answer 3

Historically, the custom of decorating Christmas Tree can only be traced as far back as the 16th century. But many pagan cultures did use trees in their winter solstice festivals, particularly evergreens.

Answer 4

Yes. The evergreen was the only plant that could survive the harsh Northern winters, and so became a symbol of everlasting life, of hope, of triumph over hard times.

The ritual of taking the tree into one's home symbolizes bringing these things to us and into our lives.

Since Yule is the festival to celebrate light over darkness, and life over hard times, it's a very appropriate symbol.

I'd like to note that life, light, and hope are universal human triumphs, and don't belong to any one religion. So I think it's delightful that Christians have embraced this symbol also. It's something that unites us, it doesn't have to divide us.

Answer 5

Yes. Ancient Germans and Vikings used the evergreen trees as symbols of rebirth in winter time. They cut down a sappling and placed it outside their front doors awaiting the thaw and arrival of spring. Yet another thing Christians stole for themselves....

Answer 6

Its roots are from germany.
I have a christmas tree with a lit star on top and I'm not pagan by any means. If it was pagan I certainly do not venerate it as such.

Answer 7

Pagans had it first so yes. It does represent the same thing the christians use it for:everlasting life, rebirth, ect.

Answer 8

Yup; it's the Yule tree, still used by us Pagans.

Answer 9

Originally, yes. and it still is to those of us who are Pagan.

I don't mind sharing it with Christians - in fact, sometimes I take a certain perverse satisfaction in them adopting so many of our religious celebrations and customs.

But I darn well wish they'd be more willing to share those celebrations and customs with US insted of trying to make everyone ONLY recognize their adaption of them.



"The reason for the season" is the Earth's axial tilt.

Answer 10

yes it is just like the cross and statues of Mary and such They are images and Isa 42 8 says give glory to GOD not thru them to him..