Every year we put up a Christmas tree and then we hang colorful decorations on it. And then the tree stands in our living room. Isn’t it a little weird to have a tree inside our houses? Why do we decorate Christmas trees? Do you want to know? Well then keep on listening!

Hi and Welcome to the advent edition of my podcast My Life and Other Funny Stories. In this edition, I bring you a new short Christmas-themed episode every day of December until Christmas. If you want to read the transcript of this episode, click the link in the description!

Today, we will answer the question: Why do we decorate Christmas trees? Let’s get started!

The origin of bringing a tree indoors during winter goes back centuries, to the pagan faith- pagan means that it is not Christian, in Czech „pohanský“. Evergreen trees – trees that do not lose leaves during autumn,- were used as a part of celebrations of winter festivals. They were used as a symbol – These trees were meant to represent life during dark, cold winter nights.

Over the years this has changed into the Christmas tree tradition.

However, the modern tradition of Christmas tree originated in Germany- It is here where decorating trees is believed to have begun, by placing candles on branches. But still, the trees were not brought inside our home, so who started that?

It is believed that it was the 16th-century preacher, Martin Luther. The story goes that Martin was walking through the woods one winter evening when he saw the stars through the branches of the trees. As he saw the stars twinkling through the branches, he decided he wanted to have it at home as well. He cut down a tree, took it home and decorated the tree branches with lights. And it was a SUCCESS! While Christmas tree lights likely originated from the candles used as part of older Christmas tree traditions, this is often quoted as one of the most important moments for the modern Christmas tree.

And now you know.

Source:

„Why Do We Decorate Our Christmas Trees?“ Why Do We Decorate Our Christmas Trees?, Christmas Tree World Ltd, 25 Sept. 2023, www.christmastreeworld.co.uk/blog/why-do-we-decorate-our-christmas-tree.