12-24-2025 10:42am

History of the Christmas Tree

John Williams Editor

The Christmas tree tradition blends ancient pagan reverence for evergreens with German Christian customs, evolving from winter solstice greenery to the candlelit trees of 16th-century Germany, popularized globally by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in England, and eventually becoming a nearly universal symbol of Christmas in America by the 20th century, featuring lights, ornaments, and modern decorations. Ancient Roots & Pagan Beliefs

Evergreens: Long before Christianity, ancient cultures (Egyptians, Romans, Celts, Vikings) used evergreen boughs during winter solstice to symbolize life and ward off spirits.
Roman Saturnalia: Romans decorated trees with metal bits during winter festivals.

German Christian Origins

Paradise Trees: In the Middle Ages, German Christians used evergreen "Paradise Trees" decorated with apples for the December 24th Feast of Adam and Eve.
Martin Luther: Protestant reformer Martin Luther is credited with adding candles to a tree, inspired by stars shining through branches, to represent Christ as the light of the world (circa 1530s).
16th Century: German Lutherans documented decorating trees with apples, nuts, and later candles and wafers.

Spread to the World

Early Adoption: German settlers brought trees to America, but Puritan opposition delayed widespread adoption until the 19th century.
Victorian Popularity: A famous 1848 illustration of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert (German), and their family with a decorated tree in England made them immensely popular, spreading the custom to America and beyond.
American Growth: By the early 20th century, trees became a widespread American tradition, moving from rare to near-universal by 1930, with handmade decorations evolving into tinsel, glass balls, and electric lights.

Modern Era

Artificial Trees: In the 1930s, brush-bristle trees appeared, followed by mass-produced aluminum and plastic trees in the 1950s and 60s.
National Symbol: The National Christmas Tree lighting tradition at the White House began in 1923, solidifying its role in American culture.

(A variety of sources)