The Origins of the Christmas Tree

There are many stories connected to Christmas trees but it would seem the tradition originated from palm trees in Egypt. According to Niall Edworthy, author of The Curious World of Christmas, a spray of the palm tree with twelve shoots on it was used in Egypt as a symbol of the completed year. This took place during the winter solstice in December.

Do Christmas Trees have Christian Roots

Although Christmas is primarily a Christian celebration, the roots of Christmas date back thousands of years to pagan festivals. Evergreen trees have been used in the following ways over the centuries:

• The tip of a fir tree was decorated with burning tapers in honor of Saturn. This festival was celebrated between the 17th and 21st of December
• In northern Europe, people decorated their homes with fir branches from the winter solstice through to the beginning of spring
• Evergreen trees were seen as symbols of eternal life
• The first written references to Christmas trees originated in Germany in the early first century
• Around 1850, Christmas trees became a common feature in British homes

Decorations on Christmas Trees

Decorations have changed and developed over the years and these days, an incredible number are available in various colors and at prices to suit everyone. In earlier days, decorations were simpler and included the following:

• Candles were among the first decorations. Due to them being a fire hazard, they are seldom used today but have been replaced by strings of lights or fake candles
• Small wax dolls were fastened to branches in the 1700s
• Strings of almonds and raisins were draped around Christmas trees
• Other confectionery items were draped around the branches in the Victorian era

Facts and Figures about Christmas Trees Today

In many countries of the world, Christmas trees are big business. Some people prefer living trees while others go for synthetic ones. The synthetic trees come in many shapes, styles and colours and some are pre-decorated. Living trees may be in a pot with roots if they are small or else they are cut at the base when purchased.

Niall Edworthy presented these facts about Christmas tree production in the world today:

• There are more than 20,000 Christmas tree growers in the USA
• Trees are grown in all 50 America states including Hawaii
• Over 7 million trees are grown annually in the UK
• Recycled trees may be chipped and used as soil erosion barriers
• Christmas trees take an average of seven to ten years to mature

Christmas trees have an interesting history which dates back thousands of years. Modern day trees are normally colorfully decorated and form the centrepiece of decoration in many homes. While some people prefer synthetic trees, there is a huge market for live trees and millions of trees are grown specifically for Christmas each year.

Reference:

Niall Edworthy, The Curious World of Christmas, Doubleday, 2007