The History of Christmas Trees

But have you ever wondered about why our decorations are centered around having a tree in our living room?

Although most people credit 16th Century Germans with popularizing the Christmas tree, the use of evergreens to symbolize eternal life dates back to ancient times, with Egyptians, Chinese and Hebrews decorating their homes with trees, wreaths and garland. People would use evergreen branches over the doors of their homes to ward off witches or even the Devil.

Meanwhile, many European pagans were tree worshippers, and even after converting to Christianity, many incorporated their love of trees into their new celebrations. (The timing of Christmas is widely believed to have been set to coincide with pagan rituals surrounding the winter solstice.)

The modern Christmas tree, though, originated in western Germany. 

Dec. 24 was the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. Each year, a popular medieval play about them was performed and the centerpiece was a “paradise tree,” a fir tree hung with apples to represent the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. Originally, wafers were also hung from the tree to represent the eucharistic host, but over time, these were replaced by cookies in various shapes.

Adding light to the tree is often credited to Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Apparently as he was carrying a Christmas tree home one year, he was struck by the effect of starlight twinkling through the branches of his tree. After that, many Christmas trees were adorned with candles.

It wouldn’t be until 300 years later that the Christmas tree began to become a tradition in England. After the Christmas tree put up by Queen Victoria and her German-born husband, Prince Albert, was featured in the Illustrated London News in 1848, the popularity of Christmas trees took off in the United Kingdom. 

Around that time, German immigrants also introduced the Christmas tree in the United States. 

The first Christmas tree in this country is believed to have been set up in Pennsylvania in 1830, while the first public Christmas tree was erected in New York City’s City Hall Park in 1848.

The first time electric lights were used on a Christmas tree, according to the online museum, OldChristmasTreeLights.com, was when an associate of Thomas Edison, Edward Johnson, added electrical lights to his holiday tree in 1882. However, the more popular (if erroneous) story dates to 1908, and credits a New England Telephone Company employee named Ralph Morris. The story goes that Ralph saw his son push a candle over on a Christmas tree, nearly setting both the tree and house on fire. Ralph then came up with the idea of using telephone switchboard lights to illuminate a tabletop tree.

Warner’s Nursery will be offering a wide variety of trees starting this November, including cut Douglas Firs, with their soft green blue coloring and sweet scent, and Noble Firs, known for their gorgeous green color and sturdy branches that can easily hold heavy ornaments.

There’s also the option of potted live trees that you can plant on your property after the holiday season. Warner’s Nursery will be offering potted Austrian pines as well as Colorado Blue, Baby Blue and Fat Albert spruces. 

We’ll also have fresh wreaths, garland and other holiday decor for your home.

Happy holidays and happy gardening from all of us at Warner’s Nursery! FBN

By Misti Warner-Andersen

Misti Warner-Andersen is the manager of  Warner’s Nursery & Landscape Co., located at 1101 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff. To contact Warner’s Nursery, call 928-774-1983.