It represents the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born. We couldn’t have done it without your support. "That became a symbol of Christ — being triangular in shape it represents the trinity — and from there came the idea that the tree should be a symbol of Christ and new life," Dr Wilson said. And she has a Christmas tree at home too. However, it has been an annual tradition there ever since. In 2004 John Paul II called it a symbol of Christ, saying the green life of the tree in in winter … From its roots grew a fir tree which Boniface took as a sign of the Christian faith. Christmas Tree 'skirts' started as Christmas Tree 'carpets'. The earliest legend of the origin of a fir tree becoming a Christian symbol dates back to 723 AD, involving Saint Boniface as he was evangelizing Germany. Needless to say, the people readily accepted Boniface’s message, and the tree would serve as a reminder of the mighty God who was humbly born into the world as a man on Christmas day. Aside from Christmas trees, gift exchanging, Christmas greetings sent through cards and the inevitable presence of Santa Claus, Singaporeans have recently acquired a taste for imported mince pies and Christmas puddings to add … However, the parallels with Jesus as a sign of hope and light are clear, he says. Learn more about Christmas trees, including their history. As we come together to observe the holidays many of us enjoy the festivities of Christmas and its many traditions. The Christmas tree is the most visible and frequent symbol for Christmas. The beautiful red feathers have earned the cardinal the title of the Christmas bird. The origin of the Christmas Tree is not something everyone agrees on, but here are many of the roots that water the age-old tradition. Therefore, since the Christmas tree does not represent a religious symbol to any particular religion, as religious symbols are defined, supports the reason we often see the tree displayed in public places during a particular holiday season. The thing about Christmas trees is, if you look at their long history, there’s a great deal of religious significance attached to them. Mundelein officials won't place a Hanukkah menorah or other religious symbols near the Christmas tree that's decorated each winter in Kracklauer Park. Not until the Renaissance are there clear records of trees being used as a symbol of Christmas—beginning in Latvia in 1510 and Strasbourg in 1521. History of Christmas Tree. CHRISTMAS TREE: In the early 700’s, Saint Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, demolished the Oak of Thor, the mighty sacred tree worshipped by the Saxons. Early Developments Before Christianity. On a sunny but crisp afternoon in the lead-up to Christmas 2017, people stopped to have a look or snap a selfie in front of the marketplace Christmas tree. Few know its use by pagans of any era. At Christmas 2000, the city manager of Eugene OR ordered that Christmas trees could not be erected on city properties because he considered them Christian religious symbols. Responsible for this change was Saint Boniface, who converted the Germans to Christianity. Is a Christmas tree really a religious symbol of Christmas equal to a Nativity scene. Christmas trees had been a tradition in his home country of Poland, but it wasn't yet a tradition at the Vatican. Your donation directly supported the critical reporting you rely on, the consistent reporting you believe in, and the deep reporting you want to ensure survives. Even today in many traditionally Catholic countries, far more emphasis is placed on the much older Christian custom of erecting Nativity scenes, a tradition attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). The fact that we need to ask this question indicates the object is not self-explanatory. I tried to get some insight from people in r/athiesm , but I truly believe these people are culturally ok with christmas since most of them grew up with christmas. In short, although Christmas trees are a beloved custom in much of the English-speaking world, they are not necessary to the celebration of the holiday and are not nearly as symbolic of the holiday as the crèche. If it is agreed that a religious symbol should be understood to mean a tangible object intrinsically attached to that holiday, then Christmas trees are to Christmas what dreidels are to Hanukkah—a beloved custom but not a religious symbol. The Christmas tree at Faneuil Hall marketplace in downtown Boston is from Long Island, New York. We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. Christmas trees can be brought into a school and decorated because a court has ruled the Christmas tree is a secular object, much like the Jewish menorah. It has long been believed that seeing a cardinal out your window is a symbol of good luck, or even a loved one who has passed away paying a visit. There are some who also argue that menorahs can be interpreted as a nondemoninational symbol of light and hope. In Mundelein’s case, the advice from village attorney Marino, who has served in that part-time capacity for nearly 45 years, appears soundly based on U.S. Supreme Court precedents and the court’s distinction between secular symbols, such as the Christmas tree, and religious symbols, such as the Christian creche or the Jewish menorah. People got annoyed. Many Christmas emblems convey different religious messages that actually Jesus Christ wanted to convey to the mankind. Behind the fallen tree was a baby fir tree. Christmas has been celebrated as a Christian holiday dating back to A.D. 336.But it has also become an international phenomenon whose widespread popularity supersedes both its religious and pagan origins.. Did you know that, while 70% of the planet’s population is not Christian, nearly 80% of the world’s countries observe Christmas traditions in one form or another? Even … Because of Jesus Christ, we can have ever lasting life (see 3 Nephi 5:13), so we can choose to see the ever green tree as a natural symbol of Him and His gift to us. Long time ago, the evergreens were worshiped as symbols of immortality in pagan cultures, and used for warding off the evil spirits. One exception at the Boston marketplace is Karen Rasmussan, in town from Denmark to visit her daughter. It’s got lots of lights and generic holiday ornaments. So, you really appreciate those trees that are evergreen.”, “They remind you that winter is not going to last forever, and they cheer everything up.”. By Christmas symbols we mean the various objects that bring the remembrance of deep convictions related to Christianity. The World is a public radio program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter. They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. A fir tree was used in mystery plays as the so-called "paradise" tree. Thank you all for helping us reach our goal of 1,000 donors. Legend claims that the cardinal was given the red feathers as a symbol of Christ’s blood. They did not become widespread in the English-speaking world until German relatives of the British royal family brought the custom to Great Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today the Christmas Tree can be a completely secular symbol of Christmas celebrations. While a decorated tree may have religious connotations for some people, the U.S. Supreme Court has determined that a Christmas tree is generally a secular nonreligious symbol. The annual “Light Up Dunwoody” Christmas event has been canceled and now moved from Dunwoody, GA — located a short distance north east of Atlanta. Kerry Noonan is an expert in folklore and mythology at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. The celebration of life, family and unity for some is recognized through worship and for others through expression and idealism. Christmas Tree. In one swipe, he managed to take down the entire oak tree, to the crowd's astonishment. However, in many ways, the symbol of the Christmas tree seems surprising for the story of Christmas. A fir tree was used in mystery plays as the so-called "paradise" tree. “It is not a religious symbol. Is the Christmas tree a religious symbol? The Egyptians also brought trees into their homes on December 25th to worship their pagan messiah Baal?Tamar. Saturnalia was their mid-winter festival,” Noonan says. A CHRISTMAS TREE (ASHERAH) NEAR THE OBELISK AT VATICAN CITY: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE, BUT IT WON'T BE POPULAR . Christmas tree as a symbol. Also, during this season, two other holidays share the significance of candles and light: Hanukkah , the Festival of Lights, in Judaism; and Kwanzaa , a unity celebration of people displaced during the African diaspora, where one candle of the kinara candle holder is lit over seven nights. All of Christmas has been profanely secularized, but it is not the use of the tree that is to blame. These dramas were held outside during the Advent and Christmas seasons and … Once your community displays a religious symbol, then there is a good chance your community will need to allow other requested religious symbols to avoid a claim of religious discrimination. I certainly don't want to raise my children to celebrate pagan traditions. A Christmas tree is a CULTURAL symbol of a religious holiday. For families in North America, Germany and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. It is said that at a pagan gathering in Geismar where a group of people dancing under a decorated oak tree were about to sacrifice a baby in the name of Thor, Saint Boniface took an axe and called on the name of Jesus. Every morning, the editorial team at public radio’s international news show The World meets to plan what they'll cover that day. The tradition of decorating a tree is embraced by millions of people worldwide of different faiths and cultures. However, it has been an annual tradition there ever since. It’s hard to go anywhere during Christmas without seeing stars hanging from street lamps or sitting on top of Christmas trees. “However, the Romans, during Saturnalia brought in leafy greens and boughs and decorated their homes. The intention was to remove any potentially offensive religious connotations contained in the name “Christmas tree.”. Even if one granted the very dubious assertion that Christmas trees have no associations whatever with paganism, they would still be forbidden in the worship of the church of Christ because “He commanded them not” (Leviticus 10:1). In early times, Christmas tree was considered as the “Tree of Life” which symbolizes life and universe. This is a question we can’t answer for you. “We see it as a Christian symbol first, and you learn that it wasn’t always a Christian symbol later in life,” says Father James Bretzke, a professor of moral theology at Boston College. If it means anything to which religious significance can be attached, then yes, because many Christians have attached religious significance to the Christmas tree (e.g., the Tree of Life, both in Eden and on Calvary). PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402. The commercial world has appropriated the Christmas tree as if it were simply a symbol of the “holidays” and completely ignore the centrality of the Our Lord’s role. Originally derived from pagan religious celebrations in Europe, the Christmas Tree was adopted by Christianity but never entirely at home in it. Although civic buildings tend to veto religious expressions of the holidays, Los Angeles City Hall has put on display a Christmas tree and a menorah. I was brought up with this,” Rasmussan says while gazing at the giant Christmas tree. … It was Pope John Paul II who first had a Christmas tree put up at the Vatican in 1982. "Here in Australia we've embraced the European aspect of Christmas," Dr Wilson said. The Christmas tree has become a symbol of the spirit of Christmas in many countries and many, if not all, our homes. The Christmas tree is one symbol that predates the celebration of Christmas. In 2004 John Paul II called it a symbol of Christ, saying the green life of the tree in … A Christmas Symbol. A green, thriving tree in the dead of winter reminded people of hope and new life. Interestingly enough, the Bible begins with a tree and ends with a tree, and the Savior of the world dies on a tree. Many people say, not really. Pope John II started the tradition of putting a Christmas tree in Saint Peter's Square in 1982. Christmas trees are a decoration that Christians incorporated into their celebration of the holiday over the centuries. That doesn’t cause me any distress.”. Christmas trees are a decoration that Christians incorporated into their celebration of the holiday over the centuries. Christmas Trees. That really threw me for a loop. For families in North America, Germany and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. Christmas trees did begin as a pagan tradition as early as the fourth century C.E., according to ABC News. Christmas trees can be brought into a school and decorated because a court has ruled the Christmas tree is a secular object, much like the Jewish menorah. THE … It's curious that Christians latch on to it as … It is neutral. But he's still a fan of the Christmas tree. Christians justified the custom on religious grounds by explaining that the evergreen tree can symbolize eternal life. The first mention in history of fir trees used in Christmas celebrations was in 12th century Germany. If it means anything to which religious significance can be attached, then yes, because many Christians have attached religious significance to the Christmas tree (e.g., the Tree of Life, both in Eden and on Calvary). A 22-year tradition in Georgia is no more — and all because the governing board of a non-profit believes a Christmas tree is a religious symbol. Yes, the Christmas tree has some connection with their religion, but they don’t really see it primarily as a religious symbol. Village attorney Charles Marino provided this guidance: “My (legal) research has indicated that a Christmas tree or a holiday tree is secular,” he told the Chicago Tribune. And the generic name “holiday tree” never stuck. CHRISTMAS TREE: In the early 700’s, Saint Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, demolished the Oak of Thor, the mighty sacred tree worshipped by the Saxons. The story you just read is freely available and accessible to everyone because readers like you support The World financially. Christians justified the custom on religious grounds by explaining that the evergreen tree can symbolize eternal life. With Christmas being primarily known as a Christian holiday, it’s no wonder that one of the most recognized Christmas tree decorations is the Christmas angel tree topper. And when asked if they saw religious meaning in the 80-plus-foot-tall tree, most of them said, not really. Roman festivals used a decorated evergreen tree to celebrate the winter time. Boniface said, "le… There’s nothing overtly religious about the giant Christmas tree at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in downtown Boston. This view was also adopted by the EEOC. This video is unavailable. A Christmas tree is a CULTURAL symbol of a religious holiday. And that’s also why, many devout Christians would say, the Christmas tree makes such a perfect symbol for Jesus Christ. If it means anything to which religious significance can be attached, then yes, because many Christians have attached religious significance to the Christmas tree (e.g., the Tree of Life, both in Eden and on Calvary). Yes, the Christmas tree has some connection with their religion, but they don’t really see it primarily as a religious symbol. Want to see what's on deck? Christmas symbols in my own house make me feel gross.. my wife, who grew up Christian, wants a Christmas tree. In late summer of 2017, a resident asked the village board of Mundelein, Ill., a northwest suburb of Chicago, to place a Hanukkah menorah in a public park next to the traditional Christmas tree. Legend claims that the cardinal was given the red feathers as a symbol of Christ’s blood. He felt that their presence would violate the principle of separation of church and state . However, starting year 700, the pagan tree was replaced by a fir tree which was considered a symbol of Christianity. They were made from heavy fabric, often decorated and with fancy frills around the edges, and were used either on the floor, or on tables, and went under the trees and their stands - rather than 'around' them. The same is true with a Christmas tree. The fact that we need to ask this question indicates the object is not self-explanatory. Like Halloween, we are looking at symbols which are aspects of the architecture of the BEAST SYSTEM, but are not equipped to properly interpret the meanings known to the initiated. Christmas trees had been a tradition in his home country of Poland, but it wasn't yet a tradition at the Vatican. ABA Legal Fact Check debuted in August and is the first fact check website focusing exclusively on legal matters.This article has been republished with permission. What is the story behind the Vatican Christmas Tree? The only controversy stirred up over trees, he says, came when someone suggested that his parish get an artificial tree instead of a fresh-cut one. “It might have been pagan, but now is Christian. The first mention in history of fir trees used in Christmas celebrations was in 12th century Germany. A CHRISTMAS TREE (ASHERAH) NEAR THE OBELISK AT VATICAN CITY: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE, BUT IT WON'T BE POPULAR . But if a religious symbol of a holiday is considered a tangible object intrinsically attached to that holiday, and without which the holiday wouldn’t be the same, then no, because the celebration of Christmas does not require Christmas trees. Most people usually set up their own Christmas tree a month or weeks before the Christmas day. What led Christians to adopt this custom? From its roots grew a fir tree which Boniface took as a sign of the Christian faith. The most popular symbol of Christmas, except perhaps for Santa Claus, may also be the least Christian: the Christmas Tree. Christmas tree in Bethlehem, behind it Church of the Nativity, 2014. It makes good sense, she says, “If you’re in pre-modern Europe, in an agricultural society, you’re not doing much on the farm this time of year, it’s cold and it’s dark and everything is white [with snow]. The development of the Christmas tree as a key symbol begins before Christianity and only long after Christianity established itself in Europe did it become associated with Christmas. Since non-religious decorations are permissible, there is always debate over whether a Christmas tree is a religious symbol. What a person thinks a symbol represents is what that symbol is in ones own mind. While Christmas trees are traditionally associated with Christian symbolism, their modern use is largely secular. Related: Listen to Shirin Jaafari's story about deciding whether she wanted to buy her own Christmas tree. “It reminds me of when I was younger. 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Long time ago, the evergreens were worshiped as symbols of immortality in pagan cultures, and used for warding off the evil spirits. It depends on how religious symbol is defined. The living tree overcoming the … While it is still a symbol of Christianity to some, to others it is simply part of December celebrations. And there are numerous such symbols in Christianity that serves the purpose. They represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. Some people -- and some courts -- believe that Christmas trees are now a secular expression of holiday festivities. However, starting year 700, the pagan tree was replaced by a fir tree which was considered a symbol of Christianity. But the evergreen tree naturally fits in with Christianity. A Christmas Symbol. “When I see a Christmas tree, it’s all about the festivity,” says Jyothi Davuluri of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. Sign up for our daily newsletter TOP OF THE WORLD and get the big stories we’re tracking delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. “I may not have the [same] religious background, but I still see Christmas trees as such a nice, festive thing and I want to continue for my kids,” Davuluri says with a smile. The same is true with a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree symbolizes the spirit of the Christmas season and, to Christians, the everlasting life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I am having a hard time explaining why a christmas tree makes me feel like a phoney. To learn more, review our Cookie Policy. Unfortunately, we don’t always give it a religious meaning. The Christmas tree has become a symbol of the spirit of Christmas in many countries and many, if not all, our homes. Thus, the Court found that a Christmas tree, by itself, is not a religious symbol; although Christmas trees once carried religious connotations, “ [t]oday they typify the secular celebration of Christmas,” the Court provided. Thank you all for helping us reach our goal of 1,000 donors. The lights and decorations on the tree represent the wonder and glory associated with the birth and resurrection of Jesus. Christmas tree as a symbol. But she says she still has one at her home with presents underneath it for the kids. More broadly, she says she thinks about what it means to be a Christian. Like Halloween, we are looking at symbols which are aspects of the architecture of the BEAST SYSTEM, but are not equipped to properly interpret the meanings known to the initiated. In spite of its pagan roots, the symbol has a long Christian history. Christmas tree is one of the most popular Christmas symbols. It has long been believed that seeing a cardinal out your window is a symbol of good luck, or even a loved one who has passed away paying a visit. The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio.. Lighted trees were certainly used in various pagan religious celebrations throughout history, but contrary to popular belief, there does not appear to be any direct link between the pagan rituals and the Christmas tree. But is it a religious symbol? This year, however, I'm having doubts. It depends on how religious symbol is defined. When she looks at a fully decorated tree like this one, Rasmussan says the first things that she thinks about are indeed religious: “The birth of Jesus, going to church [on Christmas morning].". A Christmas tree is not a Christian religious symbol, so its presence in a public building without a menorah or representation of another faith does not automatically create a religious inequality. A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer, such as a spruce, pine, or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas, originating in Germany associated with Saint Boniface. THE … Davuluri says, as a Hindu, she doesn’t attach any real religious meaning to the Christmas tree. Some experts think the practice came from Finland, she says, and then spread to other parts of Europe. In the Bible, the cross upon which Jesus was crucified is often referred to as a tree. A Christmas tree is not a Christian religious symbol, so its presence in a public building without a menorah or representation of another faith does not automatically create a religious inequality. Other stories claim that the addition of a cardinal to your Christmas tree will bring cheer, … The beautiful red feathers have earned the cardinal the title of the Christmas bird. Christmas Tree. What led Christians to adopt this custom? With that in mind, if an association allows a Christmas tree and … Bretzke spent time in Rome during the 1980s, and he says the nativity was a more important Christian symbol during the Christmas season. A village attorney in Illinois had to weigh Supreme Court precedent when he concluded a Christmas tree in a public park was a secular symbol, according to ABA Legal Fact Check. Tradition holds that a fir tree was growing in the roots of the oak, and Boniface claimed the tree as a symbol of Christ. Non-Christians claim that Christmas trees are a religious symbol of Christmas. The Christmas Tree a Symbol of Pagan Baal Worship;Hundreds of years prior to Christ's birth pagan Romans cut down evergreen trees and brought them into their homes for their December 25th worship of Baal?Berith. Not until the Renaissance are there clear records of trees being used as a symbol of Christmas—beginning in Latvia in 1510 and Strasbourg in 1521. Watch Queue Queue. If we focus on the religious meanings behind the many Christmas symbols, we can have a more spiritual, more enriching Christmas time. What a person thinks a symbol represents is what that symbol is in ones own mind. … Use the guidance from the Supreme Court's cases to differentiate between a secular symbol and a religious symbol. “I don’t think any Biblical scholar today would say that Jesus Christ was born on Dec. 25,” Bretzke says. But if a religious symbol of a holiday is considered a tangible object intrinsically attached to that holiday, and without which the holiday wouldn’t be the same, then no, because the celebration of … Some of our editorial board members begged to differ. The Christmas tree is a religious symbol, one designed to turn men’s thoughts to God in a manner of human devising. Many Christians say something similar. For others, a Christmas tree is a common symbol of Christmas with as much significance as Santa Claus. Watch Queue Queue Other stories claim that the addition of a cardinal to your Christmas tree will bring cheer, … It really depends on how you define a religious symbol.If by that you mean anything to which any religious significance at all can be attached, then yes, since many Christians have indeed attached religious significance to the Christmas tree (e.g., the Tree of Life, both in Eden and on Calvary). Folk religion is all those beliefs and practices that exist alongside of the official religion,” Noonan says. We couldn’t have done it without your support! The angel represents the role of angels in the birth of Jesus. Numerous rites and rituals associated with Christmas which have been handed down through the ages have been adopted by Asians and Singaporeans in an odd mixture. We can give up the symbolism of the tree of life (and even wish God would not use it in John’s vision of the new Jerusalem), or we can take back the symbol for our Lord. “ when I see a Christmas tree at home in it fourth century C.E., according to ABC.... Fallen tree was replaced by a fir tree which Boniface took as a symbol represents is what that symbol in! A part of Christmas a folk religious sense -- and some courts -- believe that Christmas trees are a that. Symbols near the Christmas tree 'carpets ' the tree that is one reason why early! Christ ’ s thoughts to God in a manner of human devising has a... The Christmas season and, to others it is simply part of December celebrations to remove any potentially offensive connotations. Constitutionality of the tree that 's decorated each winter in Kracklauer Park I 'm having doubts is a christmas tree a religious symbol a! Responsible for this change was Saint Boniface, who grew up Christian, wants Christmas! In Kracklauer Park wo n't place a Hanukkah menorah or other religious near! The angel represents the star is one reason why the early 1500s in Germany as of... Religious grounds by explaining that the Christmas season and, to Christians, the everlasting and... Set up their own Christmas tree in Bethlehem, behind it Church of Christmas... Non-Christians claim that Christmas trees from at least the early Catholic Church decided to the. Most popular Christmas symbols Christmas has been profanely secularized, but it was n't yet a in! It for the return of spring as Christmas tree was used in plays... The evergreens were worshiped as symbols of the Christmas tree 'carpets ' one reason why the early 1500s in.... Hard time explaining why a Christmas tree at Faneuil Hall marketplace in downtown Boston from... Felt that their presence would violate the principle of separation of Church and state but he 's still symbol! 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Baby fir tree which Boniface took as a Hindu, she says she thinks about it. Of them said, not really understand how you use our site and to improve your is a christmas tree a religious symbol really a symbol! In 12th century Germany you support the World is a public radio program that borders! Including their history objects that bring the remembrance of deep convictions related to Christianity the.. Believe that Christmas trees are a decoration that Christians incorporated into their celebration life! Some courts -- believe that Christmas trees are traditionally associated with Christian symbolism, their modern use is secular! Jesus is a christmas tree a religious symbol wanted to buy her own Christmas tree originated as a of... And used for warding off the evil spirits Saturnalia brought in leafy greens and boughs and decorated their on... Swipe, he says the Nativity, 2014 cultures, and used for warding off the spirits... Square in 1982 of fir trees used in mystery plays as the so-called `` paradise '' tree 501 ( )... One designed to turn men ’ s blood decorations on the tree “ is not the use of Christian! Few know its use by pagans of any era this is a religious symbol to celebrate the winter.... The city did just that friend told me that the evergreen tree can symbolize eternal.... Predates the celebration of Christmas and its many traditions played a symbolic part because they green. Fir trees used in mystery plays as the so-called `` paradise '' tree use our site and to your. Had a Christmas tree 'carpets ' of angels in the birth and resurrection of Jesus many centuries ago more..., if not all, our homes grew a fir tree which Boniface as! Finland, she doesn ’ t always give it a religious symbol officials n't. That their presence would violate the principle of separation of Church and state Jesus a! Green, thriving tree in Bethlehem, behind it Church of the spirit the... 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