Christmas tree

What is Christmas tree?

A Christmas tree is usually a spruce, pine, or fir, either natural or artificial, set upright indoors or outdoors during the Christmas season. It is decorated with a wide range of ornaments: glass baubles, tinsel, garlands, paper flowers, edible treats like apples or sweets, and often lights or candles. A star or angel is commonly placed at the top. In some traditions, the tree may be suspended from the ceiling or hung upside down. The tree serves as a festive centerpiece in homes, churches, and public squares.

Where does Christmas tree come from?

The custom of the Christmas tree began in Central Europe, especially in Germany and the Baltic region (now Estonia and Latvia), among Protestant Christians in the 16th century. Early trees were decorated with paper roses, apples, sweets, and candles. The tradition spread through noble and royal families in the 18th and 19th centuries to other parts of Europe and beyond. Some historians connect the Christmas tree to the 'paradise tree' used in medieval religious plays, and to older customs of bringing evergreen branches indoors during winter. Over time, the Christmas tree became a symbol of the holiday for many Christian communities.

How Christmas tree is made

A Christmas tree is usually set up at the start of Advent or closer to Christmas Eve, depending on local custom. The tree is placed upright and decorated with ornaments, tinsel, and lights. Edible items like apples, nuts, or sweets may be hung from the branches. Traditionally, candles were used for illumination, but today electric lights are more common. The top is often adorned with a star or angel. In some regions, the tree is suspended from the ceiling or hung above the dinner table.

When and where Christmas tree is used

Christmas trees are displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces during the Christmas season, from Advent through Twelfth Night or Candlemas. Families gather to decorate the tree, and it serves as a focal point for holiday gatherings and gift-giving. In some countries, trees are set up in town squares for communal celebrations, sometimes accompanied by singing and dancing. The tree is taken down after the holiday, with customs varying by country.

Forms of Christmas tree

Different countries and regions have their own Christmas tree traditions. In Poland, a decorated branch called podłaźniczka was hung from the ceiling. In Slovenia, trees were sometimes suspended upside down or placed outdoors. Italian families may use branches from cypress or oak and decorate them with fruit and candies. Artificial trees are also common, and some places, like Gubbio in Italy, create large light displays in the shape of a tree.

What Christmas tree means

The Christmas tree is a symbol of the holiday for many Christian communities and is associated with the celebration of the Nativity. Decorations often carry religious meaning, such as the star representing the Star of Bethlehem or the angel Gabriel. The tree is part of both Protestant and Catholic traditions today. Its origins are sometimes linked to earlier pagan customs of bringing evergreens indoors during winter. The Christmas tree features in art, literature, and public celebrations around the world.

The flowers of Christmas tree

Bay laurelEvergreen tree with aromatic leaves used as bay leaf in cookingKalmiaEvergreen shrubs with star-shaped pink, white or purple flowers from North America and Cuba

Questions people ask about Christmas tree

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• BBC - ReligionsBBC, Article
• Georgians rediscover Christmas tree traditionsBBC, Article

• Christmas tree on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data