Archive -> December 6, 2003
Oh Christmas Tree?
The modern Christmas tree originated in Western Germany. The tree was the main prop of a medieval play about Adam and Eve (Hawwaa’). A fir-tree was used with apples hung on it, which represented the Garden of Eden. The Germans called it a “Paradise tree,” and set it up in their homes on December 24.
They hung wafers on it, symbolizing the Christ as a sign of the redemption. They eventually hung cookies and candles, which all represented Christ. A Christmas Pyramid (triangular structure constructed of wood with shelves to hold Christmas figures) was decorated with evergreens, candles and a star. By the 16th century, the Christmas Pyramid and the Paradise tree had merged, becoming the “Christmas Tree.”
Excerpted from The Fallacy of Christmas by Dr. Malachi Z. York-El