BY: Molly Gray
It is getting close to the time of year in which you will start putting up your Christmas tree to get you in the Christmas spirit. One thing you probably do not do is wonder where the Christmas tree tradition started. The fact is that there are many different theories about Christmas tree origins. Here is the history of Christmas trees.
Evergreen trees were used for many years by Pagans to celebrate winter festivals. Some would even use the branches to decorate their homes for the winter solstice. Though the official time period when Fir trees were used for Christmas trees is unknown, Northern Europeans were known to hang the trees upside down from the ceiling as their Christmas trees more than 1000 years ago. Both Estonia and Latvia claim that they had the first Christmas trees.
The first person that is known to bring a Christmas tree into their home is likely the German preacher Martin Luther. The tale is that while walking in the woods, Luther found a tree that had the stars shining through the branches. It reminded him of Jesus.
This is not the only tale of Christmas trees, though. There is another German legend about how Christmas trees came into the home. It goes like this: On Christmas Eve, a forester heard a knock on the door. He opened it to find a little boy standing there. The family welcomed him in and took care of him. The next morning, the boy had turned into Jesus and went to the garden to get a Fir tree to thank the family for helping him.
Though there are many tales about how Christmas trees started, one thing remains the same: the love people feel gathering around their tree every year. It is a sign of hope and peace.
(All information was found at whychristmas.com)
