Did Pagans really start the Christmas tree?

Answer 1

The evergreen was part of a pagan winter celebration - Saturnalia (during Roman times I think). It celebrated the return of life in the midst of death (winter).

It was not necessarily decorated the same way or the same celebration. The Catholic church preempted the pagan celebrations. They knew the people wouldn't give up the few bright times of fun they had, so the church "Christianized" the pagan holidays - just took them over!

Answer 2

The Christmas tree was created out of Paganism, yes.

In Germanic paganism, they were refered to as Thor's Oak. A man named Saint Boniface went into Scandinavia to christanise the pagans, they used the trees to represent the trinity due to their triangular appearance.

Answer 3

The Bible has an account of idolaters putting up Xmas trees during the Winter solstice, viz. Jeremiah 10:

<>

So this tradition has been around a long time, and it was not approved of by the God of the Bible.

Answer 4

Yes, the origlnal song about it, O Tannenbaum, just translates to O Fir Tree, not Christmas Tree. Patron trees (for example, the Irminsul, Thor's Oak and the figurative Yggdrasil) held special significance for the ancient Germanic tribes, appearing throughout historic accounts as sacred symbols and objects. According to Catholic Church records, Saint Boniface (who, also according to Church records, had felled the Thor's Oak) attempted to Christianise the indigenous Germanic tribes by introducing the notion of trinity by using the cone-shaped evergreen trees because of their triangular appearance.

Actually, some Christians cite the Bible as a source that they should NEVER have Christmas Trees at all.

Jeremiah 10:1-5 [1] Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: [2] Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. [3] For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. [4] They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. [5] They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Clearly that Bible passage alone shows the Christmas Tree's usage by "heathens" or Pagans before Christianity adopted the practice.

Answer 5

Yes, the Northern European pagans especially. It was a symbolized the strength of life and the hope in the rebirth of the earth in Spring because the trees were green all year round.

The Solstice (the shortest day of the year) was celebrated because, from this point on, the sun begins to regain power and the earth will renew in the spring.

Answer 6

Yes and no.
The word "pagan" originally meant "hick," and was a derogatory term for the superstitious rural peasants of ancient Rome. It was never applied to Roman religions like the cults of Sol Invictus, Helios, the ancient Mystery Religions, Christianity or Judaism. It was applied to folks who believed in a series of religious taboos known as 'desidaimonia' ("fear of demons"). Christmas trees and hundreds of other religious and cultural observances were equally shared by Christians and non-Christians in Celtic Britain.

The Christmas Tree, in particular, was a common religious symbol, because it represented a religious concept that was common among nearly all ancient religions.

Answer 7

Here's a great article on history.com about the origins of the 'christmas tree'.. as you'll find out.. the egyptians actually brought in palm rushes at the solstice in honor of the rebirth of the sun god, Ra.
The Northern Europeans used the evergreens we know today.
So, yes, it is a pagan thing.
http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=1284&display_order=4&mini_id=1290

Answer 8

I know the tradition was imported to the UK from Germany with Prince Albert (consort of Queen Victoria). I don't know where it came from before that, but yew trees are evergreen and they are supposed to have some sort of mystical properties.

Of course, they are also highly toxic to livestock but valuable for their wood, so walled-in churchyards was a safe place to grow them without poisoning the sheep and cattle.

Edit - what makes you think Jesus was born in April? I've heard it was more likely he was born in September, because the census was likely to be during the late summertime, after harvest but when the weather was still good enough for people to travel long distances to their hometowns. Which would make him *conceived* in December, possibly around Christmastime.

Answer 9

Well, it wasn't originally a "christmas" tree, but the basic idea goes way back...

http://www.christmas-tree.com/where.html
[Excerpt]

CHRISTMAS TREE TRADITION HAS ANCIENT ORIGINS

"King Tut never saw a Christmas tree, but he would have understood the tradition which traces back long before the first Christmas, says David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture with the Springfield Extension Center.

"The Egyptians were part of a long line of cultures that treasured and worshipped evergreens. When the winter solstice arrive, they brought green date palm leaves into their homes to symbolize life's triumph over death.

"The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a fest called Saturnalia in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. They decorated their houses with greens and lights and exchanged gifts. They gave coins for prosperity, pastries for happiness, and lamps to light one's journey through life.

"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."
.

Answer 10

Yes, yule trees, were part of the celibrations of yule, they would decorate them with bows and stuff ask a pagan about what it's purpose was. Christians added the star and the Christmas ornaments tho