What is the origin story of the Christmas tree?

The tradition of decorating and displaying Christmas trees during the holiday season has roots in various cultures and time periods, but it became widely popular in its current form in 19th-century Europe.

Today, this practice is common across the world over the festive period. This post includes images from four different countries. How many pictures of Christmas trees in other countries can you find?

Here’s a brief overview of the origin story:

• Ancient origins: The idea of bringing evergreen plants indoors during the winter months has ancient roots. In pagan traditions, evergreen trees and branches were seen as symbols of life and hope during the dark, cold winter. People would decorate them with items like candles, fruit, and nuts.
  
• Christian adoption: In medieval Europe, the early Christian Church adopted some of these pagan customs and incorporated them into their Christmas celebrations. The evergreen tree came to symbolize the Tree of Life and was used to represent the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
  
• Germany in the 16th century: The tradition of the Christmas tree, as we know it today, is often attributed to 16th-century Germany. Some historical accounts suggest that Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, was the first to decorate a Christmas tree with candles. He was said to be inspired by the beauty of the stars shining through evergreen trees while walking in the forest.
  
• Royal influence: The Christmas tree tradition became more widespread in Germany and other European countries during the 18th and 19th centuries. It gained royal approval when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who was of German descent, were depicted with a decorated Christmas tree in a popular illustration in 1848. This image helped popularize the tradition in England and beyond.
  
• Arrival in the United States: The tradition of the Christmas tree was introduced to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century. It gained broader popularity in the USA following the publication of a picture of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Christmas tree in a popular magazine.

Interesting anecdotes about Christmas trees

• Rockefeller Center Christmas tree: The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City has become a highly anticipated annual event. The first tree was erected in 1931 during the Great Depression, and it has since become an iconic symbol of the holiday season in the United States.
  
• Tallest Christmas tree: In 2020, a Christmas tree from the state of New York made headlines as the tallest Christmas tree ever displayed at Rockefeller Center, measuring over 100 feet tall.
  
• Edible Christmas trees: In some cultures, especially in Scandinavia, it is traditional to make edible Christmas trees using bread, gingerbread cookies, or other treats. These trees are often decorated with candies and fruits.
  
• Environmental concerns: In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of cut Christmas trees. Many people now opt for artificial trees or participate in tree recycling programs to reduce waste.
  
• Specialised tree decorations: Some Christmas trees are adorned with unique and specialized decorations. For example, in Japan, it’s common to decorate trees with paper cranes, and in Mexico, they may hang colorful piñatas.
  
• National Christmas trees: Many countries have their own national Christmas trees. For example, the National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC, has been a tradition since 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first tree.
  
• World’s most expensive Christmas tree: In 2019, a Christmas tree in Marbella, Spain, was valued at over $15 million. It was adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and other precious gems.

In a nutshell

The Christmas tree has evolved from a symbol of hope and faith to a widely recognized and cherished part of the holiday season around the world. It continues to be a central element of Christmas celebrations in many cultures, with each region adding its unique customs and decorations to this beloved tradition.

Coda

As a flight of fancy, here are a couple of DALL-E 3 images showing the Yule Lads putting decorations on a Christmas tree in an Icelandic landscape.