Decorating the tree

There are some who believe that an English missionary who lived in Germany during the 7th century was responsible for bestowing a Christian meaning to the pagan tradition of decorating the Christmas tree, and making this special pine or fir tree a symbol of Christ's birth.

Others argue that the religious meaning is to be attributed to Martin Luther, who decorated the tree with apples in order to represent the divine gifts mankind received from God.

Likewise, at the end of each year, the Vikings customarily asked the gods to grant them wishes by hanging their shields, swords and helmets on the snowy tops of pine trees. The sunlight shining on them made the forests sparkle, like the Christmas trees of today.

But the earliest evidence of this tradition is found in 17th century documents from the Alsace region. Apparently, this practice became common in Germany and Nordic countries during the 16th and 17th centuries (families started to gather round a Christmas tree decorated with candy and toys), and from there it went on to England. The sovereigns of the Hanover royal family, and later Queen Victoria, placed a tree decorated with candles and fine ornaments in the premises of the palace to celebrate Christmas.

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