The Christmas tree: From pagan origins and Christian symbolism to secular status
A Christmas tree adorned with ornaments and lights is a centrepiece of the festive season. But have you ever wondered where the tradition comes from?
666 ABC Canberra
By Penny Travers
Updated about 11 hours ago
Evergreen trees and plants have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years, long before the advent of Christianity.
Pagans in Europe used branches of evergreen fir trees to decorate their homes and brighten their spirits during the winter solstice.
Early Romans used evergreens to decorate their temples at the festival of Saturnalia, while ancient Egyptians used green palm rushes as part of their worship of the god Ra.
"The idea of bringing the evergreen into the house represents fertility and new life in the darkness of winter, which was much more of the pagan themes," Dr Dominique Wilson from the University of Sydney said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-19/the-history-of-the-christmas-tree/8106078
