An early Roman ritual was to exchange green tree branches on January 1, with the belief this would bring them good luck.
Scandinavians once worshipped evergreen trees, as they believed Godly spirits inhabited them and that the spirits would bless them. When the Gospel of Christ reached Scandinavia, the evergreen tree was made a part of Christmas.
Germans are responsible for bringing the Christmas tree to the New World. The German theologian and reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) popularised the Christmas Tree as we know it. It is said Martin Luther was walking home on Christmas eve under a star-studded sky. It was wonderful. He thought: “How great it would be if I could catch the beauty and bring it home to the children.”
He then conceived the idea of a large evergreen tree gleaming with candles. He proceeded to find a tree, cut it down and take it home to decorate it. His children were delighted.
Today, there are Christmas Tree Associations, retailers cashing in with new concepts and some organisations banning Christmas Trees.
As interesting and beautiful as Christmas Trees are, they are not the reason Christmas is important!
