why is there a tree in christmas?

Answer 1

The tradition of a holiday tree has been around since ancient times and has played an important part in winter celebrations for many centuries. Many pagan festivals used trees when honoring their gods and spirits. In Northern Europe the Vikings considered the evergreen a symbol and reminder that the darkness and cold of winter would end and the green of spring would return. The Druids of ancient England and France decorated oak trees with fruit and candles to honor their gods of harvests. At the festival Saturnalia the Romans decorated trees with trinkets and candles.

There have also been many legends surrounding the lore of the Christmas tree. In one story Saint Boniface, an English monk, came upon a group of pagans who had gathered around an oak tree and were preparing to sacrifice a child. To stop the sacrifice and save the child, the Saint flattened the oak tree with one blow of his fist. A small fir sprang up in its place, which Saint Boniface told the pagans was the Tree of Life and represented the life of Christ.

Another legend tells of Martin Luther, the founder of the Protestant religion, walking through the woods late one night. As it was clear, many stars were shining through the branches of the trees giving the impression of twinkling lights. Luther was so inspired by the beauty of the sight that he cut down a small evergreen and brought it home. He recreated the stars by putting candles on the tree's branches.

The use of a Christmas tree indoors appears to have begun in Germany. German Christians would bring trees into their homes to decorate. In some areas evergreen trees were scarce so the families would build a Christmas pyramid, simple wooden structures which they decorated with branches and candles.

The tradition of the Christmas tree eventually spread through out Europe. The English Royalty help popularize the tree in England by decorating the first Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841. Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, decorated the first English Christmas Tree with candles, candies, fruits, and gingerbread.

When the German immigrants went to American they also brought along their Christmas trees. In the 1830's most Americans still considered the Christmas tree an oddity. One of the first public displays of a Christmas tree was set up by German Settlers in Pennsylvania. At the time many still considered the tree to be a symbol of pagans and it wasn't until the late 1800's that Americans began accepting the Christmas tree.

Early Christmas trees were often decorated with apples, nuts, cookies, colored popcorn and candles. The invention of electricity in the early 20th century and use of electrical Christmas lights helped spread the use of the Christmas tree.

It is now common in most communities through out the US to feature public displays of Christmas trees. Every year the President of the United States lights the National Christmas Tree in Washington and in New York skaters spin beneath the lighted tree of Rockefeller Center. Through Europe and the rest of the world the Christmas tree has also become readily accepted and adored

Answer 2

The Christmas tree can be traced to 16th century Germany; Ingeborg Weber-Kellermann Marburg professor of European ethnology identified as 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.

Another early reference is from Basel, where the tailor apprentices carried around town a tree decorated with apples and cheese in 1597.

Answer 3

"With likely origins in European pre-Christian pagan cultures, the Christmas tree has gained an extensive history and become a common sight during the winter season in numerous cultures."

What an interesting question. Never thought of asking. Thanks for sharing.

Happy Holidays!

Answer 4

x'mas trees are symbols of great jubilation. in my own idea, x'mas trees are made because it symbolizes varieties of moods during the celebrations. like the different decorations being put together to create a beautiful x'mas tree, that's how we people feel about this season that glowed from our hearts.

Answer 5

hah ha ha ha lol tht made me laugh 4 like 20 minutes straight u shood have a comedy act

Answer 6

It represents the Garden of Eden

Answer 7

some say it was a pagan thing...I'm not sure....but I wonder this too. Wouldn't it make more sense to have a baby in a crib with gifts around it...I'm not sure on this one myself.

Answer 8

it was stolen from the pagans along with the holiday. how does it feel to know that you paganize yourself when you celebrate xmas.

Answer 9

because Christmas bush wont really work !!

Answer 10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/christmas_t...