The Hidden Meanings of the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree stands as the quintessential emblem of the holiday season. From the towering, dazzling display at Rockefeller Center to the modest drooping branch of Charlie Brown, the Christmas tree is inextricably linked to the festivities. Tree decorations differ from one culture to another—ranging from sparkling ornaments and lights to popcorn and cranberry chains, cobwebs in Ukraine, and intricate radish sculptures in Mexico. But where did this tradition start, what does it symbolize, and how did it evolve into the primary icon of Christmas?

The Christmas tree boasts a long and storied history, with roots, according to some, tracing back to ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures. Evergreen branches over doorways were believed to ward off malevolent spirits and symbolize vitality and growth during stagnant seasons. The Celts adorned their temples with green pine branches to denote eternal life. In the 16th century, devout Christians in Germany began bringing evergreen trees into their homes. It is said that during a winter woodland walk, Martin Luther saw stars twinkling through the trees and replicated the scene with candles on an indoor tree for his family’s Christmas celebrations. He is credited as the first to adorn a tree with lights, which were likely candles that thankfully were extinguished in time to prevent burning down the house.

In the early 19th century, the Christmas tree had not yet gained widespread acceptance in America, and many Christians regarded it as a pagan symbol. However, German immigrants began decorating their homes with Christmas trees, leading to their gradual rise in popularity. Queen Victoria significantly boosted the tree’s prominence when an illustration of her and her German husband, Prince Albert, and their children around their own decorated Christmas tree was published in the Illustrated London News. The royal family was immensely popular, making the Christmas tree fashionable not only in Britain but also along the American East Coast. By 1890, Christmas ornaments were being imported from Germany into the U.S. While compact four-foot trees remained common in Europe, many Americans preferred grand, floor-to-ceiling trees, reflecting their “go big or go home” mindset. With the advent of electric lights, trees could stay illuminated around the clock, and before long, Christmas trees became a familiar sight in town squares, churches, and cities across the U.S.

The symbol of the Christmas tree was co-opted from pagan practices and integrated into Christian customs. Christmas, a holiday celebrating the birth of Christ as a beacon in the dark world, found its reflection in the illuminated tree. The Christmas tree also signifies the Tree of Life, often deemed the most significant tree in the Garden of Eden. Some people adorn their trees with apples or apple ornaments, symbolizing knowledge and serving as a reminder of original sin, while the lights represent Christ’s mission to eliminate sin and transform darkness into light.

Whether Christmas serves as a time for religious reflection or for joyous gatherings with loved ones, feasting, laughter, and gift-giving—or a blend of both—the Christmas tree remains at the heart of many families’ festivities. At Gift All Season, we cherish the moments when our ornaments add personal meaning and symbolism to your Christmas tree and those of your nearest and dearest.