History of the Christmas tree

The Christmas tree, however, has its roots in history long before the first Christmas celebrations were held in ancient non-Christian civilisations. Egyptians were part of a long line of cultures that treasured and worshipped evergreens. When the winter solstice arrived, they brought green date palm leaves into their homes to symbolise life’s triumph over death. The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a fest called Saturnalia in honour of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. They decorated their houses with evergreens 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 placed 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.

Legend has it that German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther (1483-1546) began the tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas. One crisp Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a little fir tree indoors so he could share this story with his children. He decorated it with candles, which he lighted in honour of Christ’s birth.

By 1900, one in five American families had a Christmas tree, and 20 years later, the custom was nearly universal. Today, the Christmas tree tradition is practiced world wide both by Christians and non-Christians alike.