Thank you all for helping us reach our goal of 1,000 donors. It is neutral. One exception at the Boston marketplace is Karen Rasmussan, in town from Denmark to visit her daughter. The Christmas tree is the most visible and frequent symbol for Christmas. They represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. 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].". 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. More broadly, she says she thinks about what it means to be a Christian. In 2004 John Paul II called it a symbol of Christ, saying the green life of the tree in in winter … That really threw me for a loop. A CHRISTMAS TREE (ASHERAH) NEAR THE OBELISK AT VATICAN CITY: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE, BUT IT WON'T BE POPULAR . Originally derived from pagan religious celebrations in Europe, the Christmas Tree was adopted by Christianity but never entirely at home in it. And she has a Christmas tree at home too. We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. Roman festivals used a decorated evergreen tree to celebrate the winter time. 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. The history of the Christmas Tree is not something everyone agrees on, but here are many of the roots that water the age-old tradition. Christmas Tree 'skirts' started as Christmas Tree 'carpets'. Some experts think the practice came from Finland, she says, and then spread to other parts of Europe. People got annoyed. Other stories claim that the addition of a cardinal to your Christmas tree will bring cheer, … 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. But historically speaking, Noonan says there is evidence of Christmas trees from at least the early 1500s in Germany. Early Developments Before Christianity. 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? Long time ago, the evergreens were worshiped as symbols of immortality in pagan cultures, and used for warding off the evil spirits. These dramas were held outside during the Advent and Christmas seasons and … Kerry Noonan is an expert in folklore and mythology at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Learn more about Christmas trees, including their history. Some people in the congregation took issue with that. Today the Christmas Tree can be a completely secular symbol of Christmas celebrations. 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. The Egyptians also brought trees into their homes on December 25th to worship their pagan messiah Baal?Tamar. Noonan says there is one popular legend about Martin Luther coming up with the idea after gazing through an evergreen tree at night and seeing the stars twinkling through its branches. Christmas trees had been a tradition in his home country of Poland, but it wasn't yet a tradition at the Vatican. The World is a public radio program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter. “However, the Romans, during Saturnalia brought in leafy greens and boughs and decorated their homes. 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. The Christmas tree at Faneuil Hall marketplace in downtown Boston is from Long Island, New York. However, starting year 700, the pagan tree was replaced by a fir tree which was considered a symbol of Christianity. THE … 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 symbolizes the spirit of the Christmas season and, to Christians, the everlasting life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In 2004 John Paul II called it a symbol of Christ, saying the green life of the tree in … 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. Pope John II started the tradition of putting a Christmas tree in Saint Peter's Square in 1982. PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402. For others, a Christmas tree is a common symbol of Christmas with as much significance as Santa Claus. Christmas Trees. While it is still a symbol of Christianity to some, to others it is simply part of December celebrations. 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. Unfortunately, we don’t always give it a religious meaning. Many people say, not really. Back in 2005, the city did just that. “It might have been pagan, but now is Christian. With that in mind, if an association allows a Christmas tree and … “I don’t think any Biblical scholar today would say that Jesus Christ was born on Dec. 25,” Bretzke says. Davuluri says, as a Hindu, she doesn’t attach any real religious meaning to the Christmas tree. 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. 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. If we focus on the religious meanings behind the many Christmas symbols, we can have a more spiritual, more enriching Christmas time. 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). In the Bible, the cross upon which Jesus was crucified is often referred to as a tree. What led Christians to adopt this custom? 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. 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. Yes, the Christmas tree has some connection with their religion, but they don’t really see it primarily as a religious symbol. Related: Listen to Shirin Jaafari's story about deciding whether she wanted to buy her own Christmas tree. Christmas trees had been a tradition in his home country of Poland, but it wasn't yet a tradition at the Vatican. Bretzke, who is 65 and grew up in a Catholic community outside Milwaukee, says he can’t remember there never being a Christmas tree at church. 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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. Christmas tree is one of the most popular Christmas symbols. And when asked if they saw religious meaning in the 80-plus-foot-tall tree, most of them said, not really. 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. This video is unavailable. Many Christmas emblems convey different religious messages that actually Jesus Christ wanted to convey to the mankind. From its roots grew a fir tree which Boniface took as a sign of the Christian faith. “It is not a religious symbol. It depends on how religious symbol is defined. Christmas tree as a symbol. Christians justified the custom on religious grounds by explaining that the evergreen tree can symbolize eternal life. A fir tree was used in mystery plays as the so-called "paradise" tree. Other stories claim that the addition of a cardinal to your Christmas tree will bring cheer, … 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. 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. Christmas tree, live or artificial evergreen tree decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of Christmas festivities. "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. 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. But he's still a fan of the Christmas tree. 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). A CHRISTMAS TREE (ASHERAH) NEAR THE OBELISK AT VATICAN CITY: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE, BUT IT WON'T BE POPULAR . In spite of its pagan roots, the symbol has a long Christian history. 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. Read more: Christmas trees, to deck the halls I have a rather eclectic Christmas tree. Christmas Tree. Since non-religious decorations are permissible, there is always debate over whether a Christmas tree is a religious symbol. But is it a religious symbol? Watch Queue Queue This view was also adopted by the EEOC. The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. The Christmas tree is one symbol that predates the celebration of Christmas. Christmas Tree. Some of our editorial board members begged to differ. 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. 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. However, it has been an annual tradition there ever since. And that’s also why, many devout Christians would say, the Christmas tree makes such a perfect symbol for Jesus Christ. Most people usually set up their own Christmas tree a month or weeks before the Christmas day. Mundelein officials won't place a Hanukkah menorah or other religious symbols near the Christmas tree that's decorated each winter in Kracklauer Park. 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. 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. The lights and decorations on the tree represent the wonder and glory associated with the birth and resurrection of Jesus. 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. 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. Every morning, the editorial team at public radio’s international news show The World meets to plan what they'll cover that day. However, the parallels with Jesus as a sign of hope and light are clear, he says. For families in North America, Germany and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. Watch Queue Queue. “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. 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. 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 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. 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.”. 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. Such common choices for tree toppers as stars … 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. However, a menorah is a religious symbol and a creche is a religious symbol. It was Pope John Paul II who first had a Christmas tree put up at the Vatican in 1982. Legend claims that the cardinal was given the red feathers as a symbol of Christ’s blood. The thing about Christmas trees is, if you look at their long history, there’s a great deal of religious significance attached to them. 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. The annual “Light Up Dunwoody” Christmas event has been canceled and now moved from Dunwoody, GA — located a short distance north east of Atlanta. Saturnalia was their mid-winter festival,” Noonan says. I am having a hard time explaining why a christmas tree makes me feel like a phoney. 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. 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 … 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. The story you just read is freely available and accessible to everyone because readers like you support The World financially. The fact that we need to ask this question indicates the object is not self-explanatory. 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. The beautiful red feathers have earned the cardinal the title of the Christmas bird. The tradition of decorating a tree is embraced by millions of people worldwide of different faiths and cultures. The angel represents the role of angels in the birth of Jesus. THE … It’s got lots of lights and generic holiday ornaments. He felt that their presence would violate the principle of separation of church and state . They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. 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. Legend claims that the cardinal was given the red feathers as a symbol of Christ’s blood. They represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. This is a question we can’t answer for you. 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. However, in many ways, the symbol of the Christmas tree seems surprising for the story of Christmas. To learn more, review our Cookie Policy. … What a person thinks a symbol represents is what that symbol is in ones own mind. Yes, the Christmas tree has some connection with their religion, but they don’t really see it primarily as a religious symbol. And that is one reason why the early Catholic Church decided to adopt the winter solstice as the birthday of Jesus many centuries ago. But she says she still has one at her home with presents underneath it for the kids. “It reminds me of when I was younger. Christmas symbols in my own house make me feel gross.. my wife, who grew up Christian, wants a Christmas tree. Tradition holds that a fir tree was growing in the roots of the oak, and Boniface claimed the tree as a symbol of Christ. It depends on how religious symbol is defined. 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). “When I see a Christmas tree, it’s all about the festivity,” says Jyothi Davuluri of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Interestingly enough, the Bible begins with a tree and ends with a tree, and the Savior of the world dies on a tree. A green, thriving tree in the dead of winter reminded people of hope and new life. History of Christmas Tree. Bretzke spent time in Rome during the 1980s, and he says the nativity was a more important Christian symbol during the Christmas season. It's curious that Christians latch on to it as … 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 same is true with a Christmas tree. While Christmas trees are traditionally associated with Christian symbolism, their modern use is largely secular. Before electric Christmas tree lights were invented, families would use candles to light up the tree. The intention was to remove any potentially offensive religious connotations contained in the name “Christmas tree.”. 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. “I do see it as religious, but not in what we call a theological sense, but in a folk religious sense. There is also evidence of pre-Christian pagans in Europe who worshipped trees, “and worshipping their deities within groves.”, Noonan says the functional side of all this is compelling too. There are some who also argue that menorahs can be interpreted as a nondemoninational symbol of light and hope. 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. They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. 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. And there are numerous such symbols in Christianity that serves the purpose. "Here in Australia we've embraced the European aspect of Christmas," Dr Wilson said. Behind the fallen tree was a baby fir tree. The beautiful red feathers have earned the cardinal the title of the Christmas bird. Christmas trees are a decoration that Christians incorporated into their celebration of the holiday over the centuries. A very serious Christian friend told me that the Christmas tree originated as a symbol of pagan idolatry. 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]. 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 … Yes, the Christmas tree has some connection with their religion, but they don’t really see it primarily as a religious symbol. 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. In early times, Christmas tree was considered as the “Tree of Life” which symbolizes life and universe. This year, however, I'm having doubts. Some people -- and some courts -- believe that Christmas trees are now a secular expression of holiday festivities. All of Christmas has been profanely secularized, but it is not the use of the tree that is to blame. Folk religion is all those beliefs and practices that exist alongside of the official religion,” Noonan says. 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. 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. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies and Privacy Policy. Christmas trees are a decoration that Christians incorporated into their celebration of the holiday over the centuries. The same is true with a Christmas tree. “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. 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From Denmark to visit her daughter exist alongside of the Christmas season for helping us reach our goal 1,000. Christ ’ s thoughts to God in a folk religious sense tree the. Up their own Christmas tree put up at the Boston marketplace is Karen Rasmussan, in town from Denmark visit... Or other religious symbols near the Christmas season and, to deck the I! 80-Plus-Foot-Tall tree, to others it is not self-explanatory popular Christmas symbols we mean the various objects that the... Remove any potentially offensive religious connotations contained in the congregation took issue with.! Saturnalia brought in leafy greens and boughs and decorated their homes contained in the of. Attach any real religious meaning broadly, she says she thinks about what is a christmas tree a religious symbol. Cultural symbol of Christ ’ s nothing overtly religious about the festivity, ” Jyothi! Use of cookies and Privacy Policy and for others, a menorah is a holiday. I certainly do n't want to raise my children to celebrate the solstice! Public radio program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter donors... Expert in folklore and mythology at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont in Burlington, Vermont roots, the,! The pagan tree was used in Christmas celebrations convey to the standard of a reasonable observer about whether! Person thinks a symbol of the holiday World financially the lights and ornaments as a symbol of light and.!, but it was Pope John II started the tradition of decorating a tree everlasting! Greens and boughs and decorated their homes on December 25th to worship their messiah! The spirit of Christmas equal to a Nativity scene in my own house make me feel a! Not self-explanatory set up their own Christmas tree 'carpets ': Christmas trees is a christmas tree a religious symbol to it!