what is the story behind using a tree in christmas, what does it mean ?
2006-12-15 17:35:04 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Most people attribute it to pagan custom. A website with a very brief explanation: http://morning-glow.com/holidays/xmas/xmastree.html
2006-12-15 17:42:35 · answer #1 · answered by N 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are several stories and myths, but mainly there are three things that contribute to the Christmas trees we know of today.
Why bring a tree in the house?
Civilizations going back to the Romans and Egyptians would bring greenery into their homes in the winter to show the "gods" their gratitude for the plentiful harvest and the ask that spring come soon as to be able to plant a new one.
Why a fir (evergreen) tree at Christmas?
In Germany, in the winter of 722, St. Bonaface saw a group of paegans worshipping, and possibly sacrificing a child, under a large oak tree, so he immediately cut it down. A fir tree (or spruce) grew in its place and he took as a positive sign of the christ child.
Why decorate the tree with ornaments and ribbon?
"Another story from Germany is about Queen Victoria. She often visited relatives in Germany and while she was there, she fell in love with Prince Albert. After they were married, they moved back to England to raise their family. Prince Albert decorated a tree and ever since that time, the English, because of their love for their Queen, copied her Christmas customs including the Christmas tree and ornaments. This story took place in the 19th century, around 1830."
2006-12-16 01:51:35 · answer #2 · answered by minah philz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Egyptians celebrated the winter solstice by bringing green date palm leaves into their home symbolizing the triumph of life over death. The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a celebration of Sulturnalia that honored the god of agriculture, Sulturnus. They decorated their homes with greens and lights. The Druids in Great Britain celebrated the winter solstice by using the evergreen tree in solstice rituals, and using holly and mistletoe to symbolize eternal life. They placed evergreen branches over their doors to keep away evil spirits. During the middle ages, Germany and Scandinavian countries brought the evergreen tree into the home or outside their doors at winter solstice to symbolize the hope of the forthcoming spring. This is where the modern day Christmas tree ritual comes from.
2006-12-16 01:58:12 · answer #3 · answered by danaluana 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is your answer
What Did Jesus Say About Christmas?
http://askmuslims.com/Christmas.html
Good luck....
2006-12-18 08:38:06 · answer #4 · answered by askmuslims1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is actually a German pagan custom which is where we get the Tannenbaum song.
2006-12-16 01:42:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We need somwhere to put our presents.
2006-12-16 01:43:33 · answer #6 · answered by karen v 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋