Prior to the Volkswagen Bug, Frankfurter, Werner Klemperer and Beethoven, Germany bestowed upon mankind an icon of greater importance: The modern Christmas Tree.
A prop master in medieval Germany selected an evergreen fir as the centerpiece of a popular medieval play about Adam and Eve, based on the Old Testament story. It was hung with apples representing the tree of good and evil and called a “Paradise Tree.” Over time, a tradition developed as the German people set up Paradise Trees in their homes on Dec. 24, which they considered a religious feast day in honor of Adam and Eve.
As the tradition grew, the Bible’s New Testament began to influence the annual celebration. First wafers, then cookies of various shapes, were also hung on the tree, symbolizing the consecrated bread of the Eucharist. Later, candles were added to represent the light to the world of Christ’s gift of salvation.
The custom of the Christmas tree came to America via German and English settlers as early as the 1600s and beautifully decorated trees became the height of fashion in the 1800s. By the 1700s, Christmas trees had become widespread in Germany’s Lutheran community and a deeply rooted tradition throughout by the 1800s.
Christmas Trees were popularized in England in the mid-1800s by Prince Albert (of German decent) and Queen Victoria. Hand-crafted, blown-glass ornaments began to appear in the 1870s, while strings of electric lights began to replace the candles in the 1890s.
CHRISTMAS TREE FUN FACT: The state of Maryland chose the melody from Germany’s “O, Tannenbaum” (the English title of the song is “O, Christmas Tree”) for the music of their state song!
Today in America during the holiday season the Christmas tree is seen everywhere. They are in homes, offices, public spaces, including your banks and town squares, to the impressive 60-foot great fir placed on the White House lawn. Christmas trees have become visual wonders for adults and children and act as centerpieces for gatherings of families and friends, under which gifts are placed as displays of love.
The modern English word “Christmas” derives from an Old English word “Cristes Maeses,” which translates as Christ’s Mass. A “mass” is a gathering of people for celebration.
A Christmas tree evergreen leaves symbolize Christ’s everlasting love. Ornaments, conjure the story of Adam and Eve and Christ’s sacrifice. The tree’s lights symbolize that Christ was the light of the world. A star on the tree’s crown reminds of the star of Bethlehem.
Some say the Christmas tree has pagan origins. Others point out that centuries have passed, and the Yule tree now symbolizes beauty and love and Christian faith.
Critics say our love won’t pay the rent. Perhaps “they” are right. But as Steve Buscemi said 16 years ago in the movie Fargo, “I didn’t come here to debate with you.”
