Why Is The Christmas Tree Pagan
Dating back centuries before christ cultures brought evergreen trees plants and leaves into their homes upon the arrival of the winter solstice which occurs in the northern hemisphere between december 21st and 22nd although the specific practices were different in each country and culture the symbolization was generally the same.
Why is the christmas tree pagan. Some condemn the christmas tree because they believe that the custom of cutting down a tree erecting it in the home and decorating it is a pagan custom. Pagan origins of the christmas tree ancient egyptians used to decorate the temples dedicated to ra the god of the sun with green palm during the winter solstice. Many traditions observed at this time of year are strictly christian and revolve around the observance of advent the feast of the nativity and the ep. So the fir tree was first associated with pagan festivals but when was it actually used in association with christmas well the first recorded fir tree being used exclusively for christmas celebrations finds its roots in 16th century europe.
There are two kinds of traditions that are commonly observed in late december and early january. The use of evergreen trees wreaths and garlands to symbolize eternal life was a custom of the ancient egyptians chinese and hebrews. European pagans were largely responsible for dressing their homes with the branches of. 1 for many people today it is primarily as a secular symbol of hope for the new year and the future return of warmth to the earth.
Origins of the christmas tree. Christmas trees did begin as a pagan tradition as early as the fourth century c e according to abc news. Tree worship was common among the pagan europeans and survived their conversion to christianity in the scandinavian customs of decorating the house and barn with evergreens at the new year to scare away the devil and of setting up a tree for the birds during. Red and green are the traditional colors for christmas tree baubles but in recent years many more colors have become available often changing yearly with the latest fashions.
The christmas tree is a 17th century german invention university of bristol s hutton told livescience but it clearly. Perhaps that s why pagan traditions remained even as christianity took hold.