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The
History of the Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree probably developed in part from
the “Paradise Tree.” This tree was an evergreen
decorated with apples used in a popular play about
Adam and Eve held on December 24 in medieval
Germany. By 1605, some Germans decorated their homes
with evergreens for Christmas. They trimmed the
trees with fruits, nuts, lighted candles, and
paper
roses. Later
decorations included painted eggshells,
cookies, and candies. In the XIX century this
tradition became popular all around the world.
While nearly everyone has a Christmas tree, there
has been reluctance in some circles to incorporate
Christmas trees into the church sanctuary, arising
from suspicions about the pagan origin of the
symbol. However, since the Christmas tree has become
such a part of Christmas celebration around the
world, it seems more important to give it some
clearly Christian meaning.
Some churches do this with a service of the Hanging
of the Greens. Others use a tree, either at
home or in the sanctuary, as a Jesse Tree. This is a
tree, or a large banner with a symbolic tree, that
is decorated each week, usually by the children,
with ornaments or objects that represent Old
Testament events from Creation to the Birth of
Jesus. The ornaments are traditionally handmade,
(learn to make your own at Santa Claus Costumes and
Customs: Making your own Decorations) and are added
one each day of Advent, or a group on each Sunday,
with explanations of the symbols and a brief verse
of Scripture from the story represented. Some
churches choose to decorate the tree with small
items of warm clothing as a way to minister to the
needy in the community.
However, the Jesse Tree is really an Advent Tree
anticipating the coming of Christmas. So, it may be
more instructive, especially for children, to allow
the Jesse Tree to represent anticipation during
Advent. (from
Fisheaters.com)
The traditional colors of Christmas are green and
red. Green represents the continuance of life
through the winter and the Christian belief in
eternal life through Christ. Red symbolizes the
blood that Jesus shed at His Crucifixion. The
Christmas wreath, like the evergreens used as
Christmas trees, symbolizes the strength of life
overcoming the forces of winter. In ancient Rome,
people used decorative wreaths as a sign of victory
and celebration.
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