pagan origin of christmas tree

Why an evergreen tree? Learn more about Christmas trees, including their history. A lot of popular traditions that are associated with Christmas are not indeed Christian in origin. We hope you enjoyed these Christmas facts and have a better understanding of the real reason behind Christmas. AFRICANGLOBE – Many people suffer from the misconception that Christmas is a Christian holiday. "Hellene" was a reference to Ἕλλην (Hellas), the native ancient Greek name for what is now called Greece. In other words, if you want to have a decorated tree, or even just deck your halls with boughs of green things, for the holiday, don't let anyone tell you it doesn't have Pagan origins. "The Christmas tree, now so common among us, was equally common in Pagan Rome and Pagan Egypt. Origin of Christmas Decorations. They began to worship the evergreen tree as it was the one tree that remained green during the winter. During the winter solstice season, people around the world practice all kinds of Christmas traditions, from eating candy canes to giving presents. The tradition of decorating green trees during the winter solstice goes back at least as far as the Egyptian and Roman civilizations. But the Germans got it from the Romans, who got it from the Babylonians and the Egyptians. Was it simply a pagan practice associated with pagan holidays adopted into Christianity? The following demonstrates what the Babylonians believe about the origin of the Christmas tree: “An old Babylonish fable told of an evergreen tree which sprang out of a dead tree stump. The true pagan history behind Christmas should have us at the very least question the practice. Although the specific practices were different in each country and culture, the symbolization was generally the same: to celebrate the return of life at the beginning of … Christmas tree, live or artificial evergreen tree decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of Christmas festivities. The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany. We’ve talked about the pagan roots of other holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. No booklet about Christmas is complete without some explanation of the “Christmas tree.” We have touched on it without directly focusing on it. Christmas is no exception. Pagan Origins. According to scholar Peter Brown of Princeton University, "Hellene" was initially utilized in place of "paganism". The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany. How did the Christmas tree become so popular in many homes around the world? Christian Beginnings. Are Christmas Trees Pagan in Origin? Although there's some debate as to whether the Christmas tree as it's used today has pagan origins, it's clear that several non-Christian cultures brought evergreen plants indoors at the time of the winter solstice. Consider the Pagan origin of our favorite Christmas traditions: The Christmas Tree – Comes from the Pagan tradition of bringing greenery indoors to decorate in the middle of the Winter; especially around the winter solstice; the shortest and darkest day of the year when people needed cheering up Though some scholars have attributed the origin of the Christmas tree to pagan celebrations, it is more likely that the modern Christmas tree has its beginning in Christian practices. Pagan Origins. The earliest history of Christmas is composed of “pagan” (non-Christian) fertility rites and practices which predate Jesus by centuries. The following demonstrates what the Babylonians believe about the origin of the Christmas tree: “An old Babylonish fable told of an evergreen tree which sprang out of a dead tree stump. But did you know that many Christmas customs can trace their roots back to pagan origins? The first use of Christmas trees as they're known today dates back to the 1500's. Sun worship was significant for the European during this time as the days (time the sun was up) were shorter and causing a harsh climate that left much of their land barren and non-productive. Decorate your tree with things that represent your Pagan spirituality and the themes of the season — lights, sun symbols, magical items, and natural objects. The unexpected origins of popular Christmas traditions ... come to associate with Christmas actually evolved from pagan traditions celebrating the winter solstice.