The Christmas tree is a widely recognized Christian symbol around the world. The idea of using a tree to represent the rebirth of life is an evident Christian symbol, but it has its roots in antiquity and the medieval period, with some references to pagan customs, from which it, however, deeply distances itself in meaning.
We do not know the exact date or precise origin of the traditional practice of decorating Christmas trees, but we have clear evidence of its spread in the 16th century in Germany.
However, there are customs and historically documented stories that date back many centuries earlier. Christmas trees are, in fact, associated with Saint Boniface, a saint born in England around 680, who evangelized the Germans. It is said that Boniface confronted pagans who gathered at the “Sacred Oak of Thunder in Geismar” to worship the god Thor.
The saint arrived with his disciples in the clearing where the “Sacred Oak” stood, and when the ritual of human sacrifice was about to begin, he exclaimed: “This is your Thunder Oak, and this is the cross of Christ that will break the hammer of the false god Thor.” He took an axe and began to cut down the sacred tree. Suddenly, a strong wind blew, and the tree fell, splitting into four parts. Behind the great oak stood a light green fir tree, and Saint Boniface said: “This little tree, a young child of the forest, will be your sacred tree tonight. It is the wood of peace, as your homes are built of fir. It is the sign of endless life, as its leaves are always green. Observe how it points straight to heaven. Let this be called the tree of the Christ Child; gather around it, not in the forest, but in your homes; there will be no rites of blood, but gifts of love and acts of kindness.” Boniface succeeded in converting the pagans, and the village chief placed a fir tree in his home, decorating it with candles on its branches.
The first historical reference to the tradition of the Christmas tree was found by ethnographer Ingeborg Weber-Keller in the Chronicle of Bremen of 1570, where an account mentions a tree decorated with apples, dried fruit, dates, flowers, and paper ornaments.
Another historical trace is found in Riga (Latvia), in the town square, where a plaque commemorates the “first Christmas tree” decorated in 1510. Similarly, in Tallinn (Estonia), there is a tradition of the first tree dating back to 1441.
The custom of decorating Christmas trees spread in Germany in the 17th century, and by the early 18th century, it was already common practice in all cities of the Rhineland. Only in the early decades of the 19th century did it spread to Catholic countries. In Vienna, the Christmas tree was officially introduced in 1816 by order of Princess Henrietta von Nassau-Weilburg, while in France it was introduced by the Duchess of Orléans in 1840. Today, the tradition of the Christmas tree is universally embraced in the Catholic world. Pope John Paul II consolidated it during his pontificate by placing a large Christmas tree next to the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square.
Today, the Christmas tree is used everywhere, often without understanding its true spiritual value and beauty.
It is the tree of the Christ Child, ever-green, full of hope and trust in life, a tree that holds the gifts of Christmas. Among these many gifts, the most important is the reassurance that we are no longer alone. God, Emmanuel, has come to dwell among us. Nothing can frighten us. God is with us.
Merry Christmas.
Paolo Botti
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