The story of the Christmas tree: We bet you didn’t know this

What does the Christmas tree symbolize?

The evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years. The story of the Christmas tree differs for different religions. For example, Pagans used branches to decorate their homes during winter solstice. It reminded them spring was around the corner. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God. The Romans would decorate their temples with trees to celebrate the festival of Saturnalia.

Early years of the Christmas tree

It is believed that fir trees were used as Christmas trees around 1,000 years ago in Northern Europe. Many early Christmas trees were hung upside down from the ceiling using chains in countries like Poland and Latvia. It is not known why they did this. The idea of Christmas trees hanging from the ceiling seems bizarre to us.

The story of the Christmas tree as we know it today began in Germany in the 16^th century. Christians would bring decorated trees into their homes to make their main rooms resemble the winter solstice. The way we decorated our Christmas trees has evolved over time. In the early days’ trees were decorated with apples, nuts and acorns.

The demand for Christmas trees began to soar. A law was passed in Strasbourg to crack down on people cutting pine branches.

The idea of adding lights to a Christmas tree descended from Martin Luther, a 16^th-century Protestant reformer. He added lit candles to his Christmas tree. When walking home one evening he was fascinated by the twinkling stars among the evergreens. He decided to recreate the scene in his home.

The modern-day Christmas tree

The way we celebrate Christmas, and the importance of the tree today has changed over time. It wasn’t until the time of Queen Victoria that celebrating Christmas by giving out gifts became a worldwide custom. The story of the Christmas tree in Britain didn’t catch on the way it did in Germany. German immigrants brought the idea of Christmas trees with them to Britain, but the locals didn’t entertain the idea. Once Queen Victoria and her German husband Albert started celebrating Christmas with fir trees, the locals immediately followed suit.

The Christmas tree as we know it today only became popular after the reign of Queen Victoria. Now the Christmas tree industry is booming with 300 million Christmas trees grown on farms around the world. That’s a lot of Christmas trees!

Today, no expenses are spared when decorating the Christmas tree. The bigger the better, right? Everyone loves seeing a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Today, Christmas trees are decorated with glistening lights, glittery baubles and shiny tinsel.

Most people are unaware of the true story of the Christmas tree. The idea of Christmas in the 21^st century is much more commercialised.

Christmas trees around the world

The story of the Christmas tree stems back from one belief and tradition. However, the meaning and the way the tree is decorated differs in some parts of the world.

 Greenland

Christmas trees are imported as no trees live this far north. The trees are decorated with candles and bright ornaments.

 Brazil

As Christmas falls during the summer here pine trees are decorated with pieces of cotton to represent falling snow.

 China

The small percentage of the Chinese population that celebrate Christmas tend to display artificial trees. They decorate these with spangles, paper chains, flowers and lanterns. Christmas trees in China are called “trees of light”.

Japan

For those who do celebrate Christmas in Japan, the holiday is devoted to the love of their children. Those that do put up Christmas trees decorate them with small toys, dolls, paper ornaments, gold paper fans and lanterns. Small candles are also put on the tree branches.

Sweden

Most Swedes buy their Christmas trees in December, but don’t decorate them until a few days before Christmas Eve. Trees are decorated with stars, sunbursts and snowflakes made from straw. Other decorations they place on the tree include colourful wooden animals and straw centerpieces.

Norway

 Nowadays it’s common for Norwegians to visit the woods to pick out their Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is decorated on Christmas Eve by the parents behind closed doors. Children eagerly await in another room until the tree is decorated. Once the tree is decorated family gather around the tree to sing carols.

Christmas tree facts

Now we’ve shared the story of the Christmas tree with you, let’s look at some interesting facts.

• Christmas trees have been sold commercially in America since around 1850.
• The tallest living Christmas tree is believed to be the 122-foot, 91-year-old Douglas fir tree in Washington.
• Christmas trees are cut weeks before they go to a retail outlet.
• Christmas trees generally take 6-8 years to mature.
• Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states of America.
• Cherry and hawthorn trees were used in the past as Christmas trees.
• 98% of all Christmas trees are grown on farms.
• Artificial Christmas trees originated in Germany in the 19^{th century}
• New England Puritans banned Christmas trees in the late 17^th century 
• In Germany, they believe it is bad luck to put your tree up before Christmas Eve.
• Approximately 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the Christmas tree industry.

Still want to know more about Christmas?

We trust you enjoyed reading about the story of the Christmas tree and learnt some things you didn’t know before.

If you love all things Christmas related why not take a look at Lacus Island. There’s plenty of Christmas stories to keep your little one busy.

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