The Christmas Tree

Have you ever wondered where the Christmas Tree comes from?

You might be surprised to learn that the tradition of decorating homes with evergreens actually predates the Christmas celebration and has it’s origins in pagan beliefs.  Some ancient peoples believed that evergreen boughs could keep away evil spirits.  Others felt that the sun was a god and that winter came every year because the sun god was sick.  The coming of the winter solstice, with the corresponding lengthening of days, was celebrated because it meant the sun god was getting better.  Evergreens served as a reminder that spring would indeed come.

During the years 675-754 AD, Saint Boniface chopped down an oak tree in Geismar, Germany where the pagan people regarded the tree as sacred.  He did this to show them that nothing bad would happen and that Thor, one of their gods, has no power.  When he did this, he pointed out a small fir tree growing at it’s base and said, "This humble tree’s wood is used to build your homes:  let Christ be the center of your households.  It’s leaves remain evergreen in the darkest days:  let Christ be your constant light.  It’s boughs reach out to embrace and its top points to Heaven:  let Christ be your comfort and your guide."

Then, in the Middle Ages, mystery plays were held on Christmas Eve which featured a Paradise Tree – a tree representing both the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden.  The tree was decorated with colorful apples representing the forbidden fruit, and with candies representing the Tree of Life.  These Mystery plays were suppressed during the fifteenth century, but the faithful kept the "Paradise Tree" tradition. 

Why do we continue to have Christmas trees today?  

Why a Tree?

The Christmas Tree is a tradition in the Catholic Church that holds much symbolism to the faithful who ever seek to keep their hearts and minds on Christ.

It’s a tree because it was a Tree that our first parents, Adam and Eve, were not allowed to eat from, and it was upon the wood of a Tree that Christ was crucified wherewith He paid the great price for our redemption.

The shape of the Christmas Tree is, primarily, triangular.  It symbolizes the Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  

Why an evergreen?  

An evergreen keeps it’s green foliage all through the year in all climates.   We are reminded to keep our faith in all adversity.  Because the evergreen doesn’t wither and die during the winter months, it’s also a symbol of ever lasting life which reminds us of the immortal life of the soul which was created in the image and likeness of God.

The evergreen tree is cut from the ground.  We are reminded that we were created from the Earth and to the Earth we will return.  (Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.)

We keep the evergreen tree in a pot of water to keep it alive.  We are reminded that it was by water that we were baptized and made children of God.  Our bodies can not live without water, so, water is also the symbol of life.  We are reminded how we’re supposed to nurture our faith with the "water" of prayer and the Sacraments of the Church.  Holy water is a sacramental of the Church and it’s use reminds us of our Baptism, remits venial sin and blesses the person who uses it.

We decorate the tree with Lights:  We’re reminded that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and that His light is everlasting.  He has come to bring joy and light into our dark world.  He has come to bring us the light of faith.

We decorate the tree with ornaments.  We’re reminded of how we must decorate our souls with grace, keeping it pure and clean from sin so that it will be beautiful to God.  Many times the ornaments on our trees have the names of our loved ones on them which serves to remind us how we have an obligation to help them in the practice of virtue and faith – how we must pray for them in the spirit of brotherly love.  

We decorate the tree with candies.  We’re reminded of the sweetness of the infant Jesus, the sweetness of purity and innocence.  The most popular type of candy is the Candy Cane, which also its connected with Christian symbolism (which I will make a separate post about).  And, of course, the Tree of Life.

We place a STAR upon the top of the tree.  We’re reminded that it was by a star that the three Magi were guided to the Nativity of our Lord, where they worshiped him as God made Man and offered him gifts fit for a King.  The stars decorate the floor of Heaven.  When we look up to the stars, we’re looking towards Heaven.  The star gives forth light which, once again, reminds us of Jesus Christ, the light of the world.  

As an alternative to the Star, we also will place an Angel on top of the tree.  We’re reminded of the Choir of Angels which appeared to the Shepherds of the field, who sang the first Gloria, announcing the Birth of Christ.  The Angel, Gabriel, the messenger of good news, was the same Angel who appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary when he announced to her that God had chosen her to be his Mother – which she accepted and assented to with great humility and love.  

We place gifts under the tree.  We’re reminded of the gifts the three Magi gave to Jesus at His Nativity.  Additionally, we’re reminded of the gift of redemption, the gift of life, the gift of grace, the gift of Baptism where we’re called to be the children of God.  We give gifts to our friends and loved ones as a symbol of our love, our gratitude, our faithfulness, etc.  

The evergreen gives off a pleasant scent.  Again, we’re reminded of the scent of incense (Frankincense and Myrrh) which is an aromatic gum resin which comes from various African and Asian trees.  And which was two of the three gifts the three Magi presented to Jesus in His Nativity.  

Eventually, the tree dies.  We’re reminded that we, too, shall one day die.

As you can see, the Christmas Tree is so much more than just a pretty decoration.