Origins of the Christmas Tree - A Symbol of Hope in My Family and in Yours

On a drab December day with gray skies the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree shine forth with festive hope. In stark contrast with the barer branches of the winter-stripped tree skeletons outside my window, my Christmas tree is green and full-bodied. Although I know that the oaks and walnuts outside are only dormant, they appear dead and without life.

Long before Christ's birth brought the hope of eternal life to earth, evergreen trees held out the promise of life and hope through long, harsh winter seasons. As the days grew brief and life became increasingly difficult in a bitter climate, the winter solstice became a vitally important feast for the pagan peoples of this world. The winter solstice marked the point at which the days began to lengthen, if only imperceptibly and perhaps only to the shaman. To celebrate the promise of spring and with it life, celebrations were held. Among the decorations were always evergreen boughs with their vivid color that brought the memory of life into the winter hushed halls and houses.

When the Son of Man was born in Bethlehem and the word of His birth spread Christianity around the globe, the early church chose to mark the feast of their Savior's birth at or near the winter solstice. Such calendar dates made the transition from pagan worship to salvation in the one God easier for the people.

The exact origin of the Christmas tree, which is so often one of the centerpieces of our modern holiday celebrations, is not known. Some believe that it is the natural evolution of the simple evergreen branches brought into Celtic halls to mark the triumph of life over winter darkness. Others content that the Christmas tree as a Christian symbol was first used in religious plays popular during the Medieval period. These miracle of paradise plays were acted in the town squares and churches of northern Europe during Advent or the weeks counting down toward Christmas. These plays chronicled human life from Eden to Bethlehem. A tree decorated with apples symbolized the Garden of Eden and the tree of knowledge. Having seen such a tree as part of the performance, people began to create such a tree in their own homes - or so some say.

Others say that the custom of Christmas trees began when a German man returning home late on a cold winter's night noticed how beautiful were the stars when viewed shining through the branches of an evergreen tree. He then cut down the tree and brought it home, decorating it in the window with candles to share the beauty he'd noted with his family.

No matter what the source, there is no doubt that the Christmas tree as a symbol of the holiday is pervasive and present in our culture today.

My own Christmas tree is hung with an assortment of ornaments, following a tradition my mother began for me on my first Christmas. Because she and my father at that time each had a few ornaments from their own childhood days, she collected ornaments for me - one for each Christmas. A stocking with a tiny doll given by my Grandma marks my first Christmas celebration. The elaborate blue Russian style minaret that tops the tree dates from the year Uncle Roy provided the tree. There are angels, old and new, beside various St. Nick's of various ages and descriptions.

There are tiny celluloid stars that are the sole survivors of a set bought back in the days of the Great Depression by my Granny. Mingled amongst the bead garlands and ropes of tinsel are birds, a miniature butter churn, wreaths and much more. I've continued the tradition with my own three children so new ornaments shine beside the old.

It may have its roots in the pagan past but our Christmas tree sparkles in the night in confirmation of the true message of Christmas - Light triumphs over darkness and a Savior was born to bring the gift of life to conquer death. Simple but true, this is the message of Christmas reflected in my fir tree and in your own.