What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize?

What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize?
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 answering the question "What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize?" The exact history and meaning of the Christmas tree is unclear but from the earliest times, trees have been the focus of religious life for many people around the world. Discover some facts and info about the What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize? Discover some facts and info about the symbols of this famous festive icon

What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize? Pagan beliefs
The following facts and information help us to answer the question "What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize?" in relation to Pagan Beliefs:

• Trees have been a major source of stimulation to the mythic imagination and revered as the largest growing and longest lasting items on earth

• Fir meant fire which was an ancient symbol for spirit

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

What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize? Christian beliefs
The following facts and information help us to answer the question "What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize?" in relation to Christian Beliefs:

• The Christmas tree is an evergreen that reminds us that we have "eternal life" in Jesus Christ (John 6:40)

• The shape of trees reminds us that we are "born from above" (John 3:3)

• The needles on the branches remind us that Jesus was "pierced through for our transgressions" (Isaiah 53:5)

• The lights hung on trees remind us that Jesus is "the light of the world" (John 8:12) and through Him we are to be "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14).

• The evergreen foliage of trees symbolize everlasting life

• Green colors symbolize nature, fertility, hope and bountifulness and also symbolize freedom from bondage

• Tree Toppers - Typically these include an angel or a star which symbolizes the Christian origins of Christmas

• Five pointed stars symbolise the Nativity

• Angels brought the news of the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolize the Nativity

• Bell decorations symbolize the bells that are rung during the festive season to announce and celebrate the birth of Jesus

• Candy Canes are shaped like a letter "J" and symbolize the name of Jesus and the shape of a shepherds crook

• Chocolate coins are used as decorations for trees. They are wrapped in gold foil and symbolize the gift of gold given by the 3 wise men from the East

• Xmas Bows symbolize that we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever

What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize? The story of the Paradise Tree
What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize? Trees were used as props in popular medieval plays about Adam and Eve. The prop was called a “paradise tree” which was a fir-tree hung with apples which symbolize the Garden of Eden. The Paradise Tree mystery play that was held every December 24 which was Adam and Eve's Day.

What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize? The Story of Saint Boniface
What Does the Christmas Tree Symbolize? The Christian origins of Christmas Trees centre around the legend and myth about Saint Boniface. St. Boniface, an English monk, was in the process of converting German pagans and cut down a hallowed tree known as Thor's oak. According to myth and legend as the oak fell a young fir-tree appeared symbolizing the tree of life representing Jesus Christ. When St Boniface was not struck by a lightening bolt, as was predicted by the locals, they agreed to  convert to Christianity. Boniface then used the wood from Thor's Oak to build a Church.