Why do people decorate christmas trees? Where did the tradition start (the first people to do it)?

Question

Who started the tradition?

Answer 1

Germans

Answer 2

Traditions: Christmas Trees and Ornaments
The fir tree has a long association with Christianity, it began in Germany almost 1,000 years ago when St Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, was said to have come across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree. In anger, St Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak tree. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. But it was not until the 16th century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time.

Answer 3

The tradition is generally thought to have started in Germany. Here's one of many articles on the origin of the Christmas tree.

Answer 4

The modern custom cannot be proved to be directly descended from pagan tradition. It can, however, be traced to 16th century Germany...the earliest reference a Bremen guild chronicle of 1570 which reports how a small fir was decorated with apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and paper flowers, and erected in the guild-house, for the benefit of the guild members' children, who collected the dainties on Christmas day.

Answer 5

I know it came from Germany, cca 17th century or so.

Answer 6

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