Until the mid-19th century, Christians viewed the Christmas tree as a heathen pagan custom. Pagans would bring fir trees into their homes at Yuletide because it represented everlasting life and fertility. In fact the bible specifically says not to use trees from the forest as idols or to adorn them with decorations ~(Jeremiah 10 NIV)
However evergreen trees and plants have been used by different pagan colters all over the world to celebrate winter festivals for many thousands of years before the advent of Christianity.
Pagans in eastern 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.
In Norse beliefs, evergreen trees were often decorated with tiny carvings of gods and food. These decorations were to entice tree spirits to return and bring spring with them.
In Germany, it was considered a midwinter symbol that brought good luck during the farming seasons.
In Norse beliefs, evergreen trees were often decorated with tiny carvings of gods and food. These decorations were to entice tree spirits to return and bring spring with them.
The common thread is that winter will end and spring, will return. So it's a moment to pause, acknowledge the darkness and look with hope towards the coming light.
Comments