Christmas Tree Meaning

Christmas Tree Meaning
The Christmas Tree is one of the most enduring and beautiful symbols that we associate with this special time of the year. This article details facts and information about Christmas Tree Meaning. The exact history and meaning of the Christmas tree is unclear, as are the early pagan rituals which surrounded it. From the earliest times, trees have been the focus of religious life for many people around the world. Everyone loves the custom and tradition of decorating trees! Discover some facts and info about the Christmas Tree Meaning and its associated decorations.

Christmas Tree Meaning - Pagan Meaning & Origin
The Christmas tree meaning and its origin are often explained as a Christianization of pagan custom, tradition and ritual surrounding the time of the Winter Solstice. were held in honour of the return of the sun which at the winter solstice begins gradually to regain power and to ascend on the horizon. Pagan ceremonies and customs included pagan tree worship. We need to go back to the Pagan traditions and customs of the Egyptians, Romans and Celts to provide an insight into the Christmas Tree Meaning.

Christmas Tree Meaning - Interesting facts surrounding the Christmas Tree Meaning
The following facts and information provide an insight into the early significance of trees in ancient civilisations. Long before, and long after, Jesus was born December 25 was the shortest day of the year - the day when there is less sunlight than on any other day. Long before, and long after, Jesus was born December 25 was the shortest day of the year - the day when there is less sunlight than on any other day. The facts and information help us to understand the modern Christmas tree meaning and its early origin:

• Christmas Tree Meaning 1 - Long before, and long after Jesus was born, December 25 was the shortest day of the year - the day when there is less sunlight than on any other day - the Winter Solstice

• Meaning 2 - The most important religious ceremonies of the Pagans revolved around the Winter Solstice

• Christmas Tree Meaning 3 - Early Pagan religions practised tree worship - trees pointed to the heavens and their roots thrived underground

• Meaning 4 - The tree has been a major source of stimulation to the mythic imagination and revered as the largest growing and longest lasting item on earth

• Christmas Tree Meaning 5 - In Egypt, the evergreen date palm was a sacred tree, and a palm branch was the symbol of the god Heh who personified eternity

• Meaning 6 - The Ancient Egyptians, believed in the Underworld and therefore the roots of the tree were significant.

• Meaning 7 - Evergreens were thought to represent the ever-burning fire and renewal of life

• Christmas Tree Meaning 8 - Fir meant fire which was an ancient symbol for spirit

• Meaning 9 - The Roman pagan holiday of Saturnalia was also observed near the winter solstice. The Romans worshipped the sacred fig-tree of Romulus

• Meaning 10 - The Pagan Saxon and Vikings kept a festival at this time of Winter Solstice in honour of Thor, in which they mingled feasting, drinking, and dancing with sacrifices and religious rites including the use of evergreens and the Yule Log

• Christmas Tree Meaning 11 - Pagans were known to cut down trees, carve or decorate them in the form of a god or goddess then overlay them with precious metals and bring them into a house or temple

• Meaning 12 - The Celts believed trees to be sources of sacred wisdom and this was associated with wisdom by the Druids

• Meaning 13 - The first Greek temples were originally trees or made from trees. The Greek stone temples, continued to be associated with the  sacred trees and this was reflected in their use of columns in Greek architecture reflecting the shape of great tree trunks

Christmas Tree Meaning - The Christian Meaning of Christmas Tree Decorations
The Christmas Tree Meaning has been enhanced by the way that we decorate the Christmas Tree and the items we attach to the branches to adorn the Christmas tree.

• Meaning 1 - The evergreen foliage of the Christmas Tree represents everlasting life. Green colors symbolize nature, fertility, hope and bountifulness. Green symbolizes freedom from bondage. Green is the Christian color for the season of Epiphany

• Meaning 2 - Tree Toppers - Typically a Christmas Tree is topped with an angel or a star which symbolizes the Christian origins of Christmas

• Meaning 3 - The Three wise men or 'Magi' followed the Star of Bethlehem to see baby Jesus and the Angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ

• Meaning 4 - Five pointed stars symbolise the Nativity

• Meaning 5 - Angels brought the news of the birth of Jesus Christ

• Meaning 6 - Bell decorations remind us that bells are rung at Christmas to announce and celebrate the birth of Jesus

• Meaning 7 - Candy Canes are shaped like a letter "J" for Jesus and the shape of a shepherds crook

• Meaning 8 - Red colors symbolize the Holy Spirit

• Meaning 9 - Chocolate coins are tree decorations wrapped in gold foil representing the gift of gold given by the 3 wise men from the East

• Meaning 10 - Christmas Bows symbolizing that we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever

Christmas Tree Meaning - The Bible
The Book of Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible makes mention of two trees - the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil that grow at the centre of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). The Prophet Jeremiah condemned as Pagan the ancient practice of cutting down trees, bringing them into the home and decorating them.

Christmas Tree Meaning - The Paradise Tree
A prop used in a popular medieval play about Adam and Eve was called a “paradise tree,” which was a fir tree hung with apples representing the Garden of Eden. The Paradise Tree mystery play that was held every December 24, was Adam and Eve's Day.

Christmas Tree Meaning - Saint Boniface
The Christian origins of the Christmas Tree centre around Saint Boniface. Boniface was in the process of converting German pagans and cut down a hallowed tree known as Thor's oak. According to legendThor's Oak was cut down by Boniface. As the oak fell a young fir tree appeared symbolizing the tree of life representing Jesus Christ. When he was not struck by a lightening bolt as predicted by the locals, they agreed to be baptised converting to Christianity. Boniface then used the wood from Thor's Oak to build a Church.