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The Story of the Christmas Tree
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The story of the Christmas tree, like the festival of Christmas itself, has originated from northern Germany, to other parts of the world. There are many legends attached to the story of the Christmas tree. Contrary to popular belief, the Christmas tree was not a part of the Christmas celebrations in America even till the mid-19th century. In fact, worshiping the evergreen tree was part of the pagan culture in many European countries. The evergreen trees were seen as magical, because while all other trees stood bare and dry in the cold winters, this tree alone stood tall, firm and laid with greenery. Evergreen trees stood for life.
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There are many legends with respect to the story of the Christmas tree. According to one version, it was more than 1000 years ago in Germany when St. Boniface, who believed in the sacred symbol of fir tree, came across a group of pagans who were worshiping the oak tree. Fired with anger, he cut the oak tree and from its roots sprung a fir tree. This reinstated his faith in the tree of life and symbolized the Christ himself. In another version of the story of the Christmas tree, when the Christ Child was born in Bethlehem, all the living species came along to pay their tribute to the baby. So while all the trees brought their fruits and flowers for Jesus Christ, the fir tree lagged behind, for it had nothing to offer. Seeing this, an angel took pity on the fir tree and made some stars sit on its twigs. Thus the fir tree lighted up in all its gorgeous beauty, a sight that delighted the Christ Child and he blessed it as the first Christmas tree.
In another modern version of the story of the Christmas tree, the latter was first brought inside homes when Martin Luther in Germany saw an evergreen tree with stars shining through its branches on a cold, wintry night. So to recreate the sight for his family, he brought an evergreen tree inside his house and decorated it with candles. Thus began the practice of lighting up the Christmas tree.
There are many versions to the history of the Christmas tree. Today with growing commercialization, it has become an inseparable part of Christmas spirit. A just tribute to Lord Christ himself.
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