And when asked if they saw religious meaning in the 80-plus-foot-tall tree, most of them said, not really. Long time ago, the evergreens were worshiped as symbols of immortality in pagan cultures, and used for warding off the evil spirits. Yes, the Christmas tree has some connection with their religion, but they don’t really see it primarily as a religious symbol. The development of the Christmas tree as a key symbol begins before Christianity and only long after Christianity established itself in Europe did it become associated with Christmas. “It reminds me of when I was younger. Even today in many traditionally Catholic countries, far more emphasis is placed on the much older Christian custom of erecting Nativity scenes, a tradition attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. In short, although Christmas trees are a beloved custom in much of the English-speaking world, they are not necessary to the celebration of the holiday and are not nearly as symbolic of the holiday as the crèche. We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. The first mention in history of fir trees used in Christmas celebrations was in 12th century Germany. Christmas Trees. The earliest legend of the origin of a fir tree becoming a Christian symbol dates back to 723 AD, involving Saint Boniface as he was evangelizing Germany. What is the story behind the Vatican Christmas Tree? If it means anything to which religious significance can be attached, then yes, because many Christians have attached religious significance to the Christmas tree (e.g., the Tree of Life, both in Eden and on Calvary). Davuluri says, as a Hindu, she doesn’t attach any real religious meaning to the Christmas tree. For families in North America, Germany and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. Is the Christmas tree a religious symbol? The most popular symbol of Christmas, except perhaps for Santa Claus, may also be the least Christian: the Christmas Tree. Some people -- and some courts -- believe that Christmas trees are now a secular expression of holiday festivities. These dramas were held outside during the Advent and Christmas seasons and … Some people in the congregation took issue with that. So, you really appreciate those trees that are evergreen.”, “They remind you that winter is not going to last forever, and they cheer everything up.”. This is a question we can’t answer for you. The history of the Christmas Tree is not something everyone agrees on, but here are many of the roots that water the age-old tradition. Originally derived from pagan religious celebrations in Europe, the Christmas Tree was adopted by Christianity but never entirely at home in it. Christmas has been celebrated as a Christian holiday dating back to A.D. 336.But it has also become an international phenomenon whose widespread popularity supersedes both its religious and pagan origins.. Did you know that, while 70% of the planet’s population is not Christian, nearly 80% of the world’s countries observe Christmas traditions in one form or another? But historically speaking, Noonan says there is evidence of Christmas trees from at least the early 1500s in Germany. Some experts think the practice came from Finland, she says, and then spread to other parts of Europe. To learn more, review our Cookie Policy. Many Christmas emblems convey different religious messages that actually Jesus Christ wanted to convey to the mankind. Some of our editorial board members begged to differ. Interestingly enough, the Bible begins with a tree and ends with a tree, and the Savior of the world dies on a tree. Yes, the Christmas tree has some connection with their religion, but they don’t really see it primarily as a religious symbol. While a decorated tree may have religious connotations for some people, the U.S. Supreme Court has determined that a Christmas tree is generally a secular nonreligious symbol. But the evergreen tree naturally fits in with Christianity. And that is one reason why the early Catholic Church decided to adopt the winter solstice as the birthday of Jesus many centuries ago. Long time ago, the evergreens were worshiped as symbols of immortality in pagan cultures, and used for warding off the evil spirits. With Christmas being primarily known as a Christian holiday, it’s no wonder that one of the most recognized Christmas tree decorations is the Christmas angel tree topper. Roman festivals used a decorated evergreen tree to celebrate the winter time. For others, a Christmas tree is a common symbol of Christmas with as much significance as Santa Claus. A CHRISTMAS TREE (ASHERAH) NEAR THE OBELISK AT VATICAN CITY: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE, BUT IT WON'T BE POPULAR . Learn more about Christmas trees, including their history. Christmas symbols in my own house make me feel gross.. my wife, who grew up Christian, wants a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree has become a symbol of the spirit of Christmas in many countries and many, if not all, our homes. Christmas Tree. More broadly, she says she thinks about what it means to be a Christian. Legend claims that the cardinal was given the red feathers as a symbol of Christ’s blood. The Christmas tree is a religious symbol, one designed to turn men’s thoughts to God in a manner of human devising. However, a menorah is a religious symbol and a creche is a religious symbol. The same is true with a Christmas tree. For families in North America, Germany and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. CHRISTMAS TREE: In the early 700’s, Saint Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, demolished the Oak of Thor, the mighty sacred tree worshipped by the Saxons. Christians justified the custom on religious grounds by explaining that the evergreen tree can symbolize eternal life. CHRISTMAS TREE: In the early 700’s, Saint Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, demolished the Oak of Thor, the mighty sacred tree worshipped by the Saxons. Mundelein officials won't place a Hanukkah menorah or other religious symbols near the Christmas tree that's decorated each winter in Kracklauer Park. Read more: Christmas trees, to deck the halls I have a rather eclectic Christmas tree. A village attorney in Illinois had to weigh Supreme Court precedent when he concluded a Christmas tree in a public park was a secular symbol, according to ABA Legal Fact Check. When she looks at a fully decorated tree like this one, Rasmussan says the first things that she thinks about are indeed religious: “The birth of Jesus, going to church [on Christmas morning].". Few know its use by pagans of any era. 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Today the Christmas Tree can be a completely secular symbol of Christmas celebrations. One exception at the Boston marketplace is Karen Rasmussan, in town from Denmark to visit her daughter. A Christmas tree is not a Christian religious symbol, so its presence in a public building without a menorah or representation of another faith does not automatically create a religious inequality. “When I see a Christmas tree, it’s all about the festivity,” says Jyothi Davuluri of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Christmas Tree 'skirts' started as Christmas Tree 'carpets'. The story you just read is freely available and accessible to everyone because readers like you support The World financially. The first mention in history of fir trees used in Christmas celebrations was in 12th century Germany. Also, during this season, two other holidays share the significance of candles and light: Hanukkah , the Festival of Lights, in Judaism; and Kwanzaa , a unity celebration of people displaced during the African diaspora, where one candle of the kinara candle holder is lit over seven nights. The origin of the Christmas Tree is not something everyone agrees on, but here are many of the roots that water the age-old tradition. By Christmas symbols we mean the various objects that bring the remembrance of deep convictions related to Christianity. That really threw me for a loop. They represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. However, it has been an annual tradition there ever since. I tried to get some insight from people in r/athiesm , but I truly believe these people are culturally ok with christmas since most of them grew up with christmas. A green, thriving tree in the dead of winter reminded people of hope and new life. 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