What is pagan about the Christmas tree?

What is pagan about the Christmas tree?

Pagans in Europe used branches of evergreen fir trees to decorate their homes and brighten their spirits during the winter solstice. “So the idea of bringing evergreens into the house started there and eventually that evolved into the Christmas tree.”

Where did the Christmas tree concept come from?

Christmas Trees From Germany Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce.

Does the Bible say not to have a Christmas tree?

Deuteronomy 16:21 says: Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.

What Christmas tree symbolizes?

In Christianity, Christmas tree is symbolic of birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The tree’s branches and shrubs are viewed as an emblem of immortality and are said to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross.

Are Christmas decorations pagan?

Decorating trees, feasting with loved ones, hanging up socks by the fireplace, and drinking yourself silly are no different – they’re all a part of pagan history and sacred holidays. In fact, most of the cultural aspects we associate with Christmas are steeped in pagan roots.

Are Christmas lights pagan?

Harkening to Anglo-Saxon pagan tradition of unclear origin, first references of lighting the Yule log are rooted in 12th-century Germany. By the 17th century, Christians had melded pagan mythos with their own. The practice of the Yule log had evolved into lighting small candles on the iconic Christmas tree.

Was Santa Claus pagan?

The modern Santa Claus is a direct descendent of England’s Father Christmas, who was not originally a gift-giver. However, Father Christmas and his other European variations are modern incarnations of old pagan ideas about spirits who traveled the sky in midwinter, Hutton said.

What parts of Christmas are pagan?

Things like kissing under a mistletoe, carolling, wreaths, and even gift-giving were all aspects of pagan holidays that were adapted into Christmas celebrations in the early years.

How do you celebrate Christmas like a pagan?

So, now that you have an idea of the background, let’s look at some pagan traditions that have become associated with Christmas.

1. Gift-giving and Saturnalia.
2. Santa’s image & Christmas stockings.
3. Christmas carols.
4. Kissing under a mistletoe.
5. Decking the halls with holly.
6. Christmas tree decorating.