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Legend of the
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Legend of the Christmas Tree
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 the Legend of the Christmas Tree. Everyone loves the custom and tradition of decorating trees, but how did this tradition start? Discover some interesting information about the Legend of the Christmas Tree...

Legend of the Christmas Tree
There are many legends about the Christmas Tree. An interesting tradition which is part history and part legend claims that the Christmas tree dates back to the eighth century. We have chosen to tell this legend which surrounds Saint Boniface. The word legend is defined as a chronicle or register relating to the of the lives of saints, formerly read at matins, and in the refectories of religious houses. The Legend of the Christmas Tree and the story of Saint Boniface seems to be the most appropriate legend in relation to the Christmas Tree.

Legend of the Christmas Tree - The Story
The story or legend of the Christmas tree revolves around an English monk an English monk who went to Germany to convert pagans to Christianity. The origin of the Christmas tree is possibly related to Thor's Oak. Thor's Oak was a massive tree and one of the most important sacred sites of the Germanic pagans. According to legend, myth and tradition Thor's Oak was cut down by Saint Boniface. As the oak fell a young fir tree appeared symbolizing the tree of life representing Jesus Christ. When this happened Boniface declared the the fir tree growing in its roots to be a new symbol of Christianity.
Boniface was familiar with the pagan custom of taking an evergreen plant into the house at the time winter solstice and asked everyone to take home a fir tree. Boniface used the wood of the oak to build a chapel in Fritzlar. The tree signifies peace, and as an evergreen it also symbolizes immortality. This story is therefore closely associated with the Legend of the Christmas tree.

Legend of the Christmas Tree - Who was Saint Boniface
Who was Saint Boniface? the following facts provide an overview of the monk:

  • Memorial Day / Feast Day of Saint Boniface: June 5
  • Description / Title of the Saint : Bishop, Martyr
  • Date of Birth: Saint Boniface was born 680
  • Date of Death: Saint Boniface died June 5, 754

Saint Boniface was born at Crediton in Devonshire, England, in the year 680. He entered the Exminster monastery where he was trained for his work. He was made a bishop and was known as Bishop Winfred. His first attempt to convert the pagans in Holland failed so he went to Rome to obtain the Pope's blessing on his mission, and returned with authority to preach to the German tribes. Boniface was very courageous as his mission was extremely dangerous. After converting many German pagans he was eventually murdered by a group of angry heathens.

Legend of the Christmas Tree
The following picture depicts Boniface overseeing the felling of Thor's Oak. The painting dates from 1737 is located in the St.Martinskirche of Westenhofen in Schliersee.

saint boniface

Legend of the Christmas Tree

  • Legend of the Christmas Tree
  • Legend, History and Origins of Xmas Trees
  • Legend of the Xmas Trees - Saint Boniface
  • Legend of the Christmas Trees - The Story
  • Legend of the Xmas Trees - Who was Saint Boniface
  • What do Christmas trees represent and symbolize?
  • Legend of the Christmas Tree

Legend of the Christmas Tree

"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"

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