Christmas Tree History:
History of Christmas Tree
Part I
We have given much thought to the origin of the Christmas tree, and no one can really say with certainty, it is the story or the exact origin. There are many speculative theories.
Happy Holidays!
After much research, we came to the conclusion that you must choose the one you like best.
Long before the advent of Christianity, plants, trees and shrubs that stay green all year had a special meaning for people in winter. Ancient peoples hung branches over their doors and windows. Some thought to ward off evil spirits and diseases. In the northern hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night falls on December 21 or 22, and is regarded as the winter solstice. Ancients believed that the sun was a god and he had grown weak or sick. Tree decorations reminded them that the sun god would heal and everything would be green again with the return of spring and summer.
The ancient Egyptians worshiped a god called Ra. He had the head of a hawk and wore the sun sign blazing in his crown. At the solstice, the Egyptians would fill their homes with green palm rushes which for them celebrated the triumph of life over death of Ra recovered from the disease.
Early Romans celebrated the solstice with a festival called Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. He represented the coming of spring and everything is green and fruitful again.
Mysterious Druids, the priests of the Ancient Celts, decorated with evergreens symbolizing eternal life.
The Vikings thought conifers were a special plant of the sun god Balder.
In the 16th century devout Christians brought Christmas trees in their homes. It is believed that the 16th century Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, first added lighted candles to the tree. He came home one night and was impressed by the twinkling stars and tried to imitate the scene for his family.
Some people believe that the Christmas tree as we know it today was first used in the 7th century, and was invented by Saint Boniface. There are different legends about how Saint Boniface invented the Christmas tree. Some say that he used the triangular shape of the fir tree to symbolize the Trinity of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for non-believers, and that these new converts began to worship the tree as a Christian symbol .
Another version of this legend, Saint Boniface felled an oak venerated by the pagans, and used a tree growing in the roots of the oak as a symbol of Jesus.
The story is always an interesting topic and we will continue to display different things we find on the Christmas tree. We welcome your comments and thoughts.
Part I
We have given much thought to the origin of the Christmas tree, and no one can really say with certainty, it is the story or the exact origin. There are many speculative theories.
Happy Holidays!
After much research, we came to the conclusion that you must choose the one you like best.
Long before the advent of Christianity, plants, trees and shrubs that stay green all year had a special meaning for people in winter. Ancient peoples hung branches over their doors and windows. Some thought to ward off evil spirits and diseases. In the northern hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night falls on December 21 or 22, and is regarded as the winter solstice. Ancients believed that the sun was a god and he had grown weak or sick. Tree decorations reminded them that the sun god would heal and everything would be green again with the return of spring and summer.
The ancient Egyptians worshiped a god called Ra. He had the head of a hawk and wore the sun sign blazing in his crown. At the solstice, the Egyptians would fill their homes with green palm rushes which for them celebrated the triumph of life over death of Ra recovered from the disease.
Early Romans celebrated the solstice with a festival called Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. He represented the coming of spring and everything is green and fruitful again.
Mysterious Druids, the priests of the Ancient Celts, decorated with evergreens symbolizing eternal life.
The Vikings thought conifers were a special plant of the sun god Balder.
In the 16th century devout Christians brought Christmas trees in their homes. It is believed that the 16th century Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, first added lighted candles to the tree. He came home one night and was impressed by the twinkling stars and tried to imitate the scene for his family.
Some people believe that the Christmas tree as we know it today was first used in the 7th century, and was invented by Saint Boniface. There are different legends about how Saint Boniface invented the Christmas tree. Some say that he used the triangular shape of the fir tree to symbolize the Trinity of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for non-believers, and that these new converts began to worship the tree as a Christian symbol .
Another version of this legend, Saint Boniface felled an oak venerated by the pagans, and used a tree growing in the roots of the oak as a symbol of Jesus.
The story is always an interesting topic and we will continue to display different things we find on the Christmas tree. We welcome your comments and thoughts.
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