The European pagans possibly worshiped trees which could have carried over into the Christian faith. It is said that the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews all used evergreen as a symbol of eternal life.
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Interior
Origin of the Christmas Tree
by Homesessive
There are a few different rumors as to the exact origin of the Christmas tree as we know it today. Some believe it dates back to the Egyptians, while others believe Martin Luther to be the creator centuries later. Although the exact origin of the Christmas tree are still a bit unclear, all signs point to Germany for spreading this holiday standard to the rest of the world.
For most of us, decorating the tree is our all time favorite part of the season! Regardless of where it began, most modern decor and traditions center around the Christmas tree. It has definitely grown to be a beloved centerpiece of this Holiday!
View the slideshow above for more facts on everyone's favorite holiday tradition, the Christmas tree!
Ready to pick out and decorate your tree this year? Take a look at Artificial Christmas Trees: A Brief History, and Taming the Outdoors: How To Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree.
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Another possible origin is the “tree of paradise” in medieval Christian mystery plays. These plays were held on December 24th, in celebration of the name day of Adam and Eve.
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The tree was historically decorated with apples (the forbidden fruit), which were replaced by red shiny balls like present day Christmas ornaments.
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The first Artificial Christmas trees were made in Germany in the early years of the 19th century. They were made of Goose feathers dyed green as a response to problems with deforestation.
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The Christmas tree became a widespread Anglican tradition throughout the United States, in 1848 when Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert, put up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle.
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Even as late as the 20th century when Americans were using homemade ornaments, the German-American sect continued to use fruits, nuts, and marzipan.
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In 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas critiqued the use of artificial trees and coined the phrase "a Charlie Brown Christmas tree" referring to small, imperfect trees.
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In Brazil, where Christmas falls during their summer season, Christmas trees are often decorated with cotton balls to bring to mind snowflakes.
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In Japan, Christmas is celebrated as a non religious holiday with a strong focus on children and family. Here they decorate trees with paper ornaments and dolls.
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The electric lights idea was thought up by Thomas Edison's assistants.
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If you prefer real live trees to artificial, you're probably buying one of these bestselling types: Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and White Pine.
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Every year, the White House holds a tree lighting ceremony. This tradition dates back to 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge began the event. There are numerous trees, like the one President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand before, inside and out at the White House.
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Most likely the most famous Christmas tree in all of of the United States, the Rockefeller Center Tree, was first erected in 1933.
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