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Holidy Season

Christmas Tree Legend

People often wonder where the custom of having a tree in the home during Christmas time comes from. We will probably never know for sure. But there are several historical clues that point out where this custom came from.

An Ancient Symbol
Thousands or years ago, there were people who believed that evergreen trees were magical. Even in winter, when all the other trees and greenery were brown and bare, the evergreen stayed strong and green. People saw the evergreen as a symbol of life and as a sure sign that sunshine and spring would soon return. Candles, or the electric lights we use to decorate our trees today, are also an ancient symbol. They represent the light of spring triumphing over the darkness of winter.

In ancient Rome, people decorated their homes and their temples with greenery during a special December feast. It was a happy time. No battles could be fought, the schools were closed, and people everywhere joined in the carnival-like atmosphere and gave each other presents.

The Modern Tree
So when did the Christmas tree go indoors? Legend has it that the tradition was begun by Martin Luther in Germany. He was a monk and church reformer who lived from 1483 to 1546. According to the legend, Luther was returning home one wintry night when he saw the stars twinkling in the sky through the tree branches. Luther was amazed by the sight, and when he arrived home, he was eager to tell his family about it. To help them understand, he went to the woods and cut down a small fir tree. Luther brought it indoors and decorated it with candles, which represented the stars he had seen.

The custom spread in Germany, and from there all over the world. In England, the Christmas tree first appeared when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, who was German. In 1841, Albert set up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle near London to remind him of his homeland. The Christmas tree custom was brought to the United States by people from England as well as by many German immigrants who came in the 1800's. Whatever its origin, the Christmas tree is a beautiful symbol for everyone who celebrates Christmas.

The Legend of the First Christmas 
TreeThe night of the Saviour's birth, all the living creatures, both flora and fauna, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought its fruit and the palm its dates. But the little fir tree had no gift and was so tired it couldn't resist when the big trees pushed it into the background and hid it from view. But then a nearby angel took pity and commanded a cluster of stars to come and rest on its delicate boughs. When the Baby Jesus beheld this lovely lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it, declaring henceforth that fir trees should always be filled with lights at Christmastime to please little children.
Park City Gardens 2023 ©
"We Know What Grows"
  • Home
    • Contact Us
    • Directions and Hours of Operation
    • Events & Workshops
    • Meet our Staff
    • Bulk Yard
    • Press & Video
  • Nursery
    • Wildflower Seeds >
      • Bachelor Blues
      • Chinese Houses
      • California Poppy
      • Globegilia
      • Baby Blue Eyes
      • Drummond Phlox
      • Flanders Poppy
      • Plains Coreopsis
      • Farewell-To-Spring
      • Scarlet Flax
      • Larkspur Rocket
      • Shirley Poppy
      • Rocky Mountain Bee Balm
      • Baby Snapdragon
      • Sunflower
      • Tidy Tips
      • Wallflower
      • Arrowleaf Balsamroot
      • Pacific Aster
      • Black-eyed Susan
      • Blanket Flower
      • Blue Flax
      • Colorado Columbine
      • Aspen Daisy
      • Purple Coneflower
      • Prairie Coneflower
      • Lanceleaf Coreopsis
      • Dame's Rocket
      • Wild Geranium
      • Fire Flower
      • Desert Globemallow
      • Golden Banner
      • Iceland Poppy
      • Cosmos
      • Rocky Mountain Iris
      • Maiden Pinks
      • Red Mexican Hat
      • Mountain Lupine
      • Large Flowered Penstemon
      • Rocky Mountain Penstemon
      • Wasatch Penstemon
      • White Evening Primrose
      • Showy Goldeneye
      • Northern Sweetvetch
      • White Yarrow
    • Tree & Plant Reference Guide >
      • Perennials >
        • Full Shade
        • Full Sun
        • Partial/Full Sun
        • Partial Sun
        • Partial Sun/Full Shade
      • Evergreens >
        • Spruce
        • Firs
        • Pines
      • Deciduous >
        • Aspen
        • Ash
        • Birch
        • Chokecherry
        • Cottonwood
        • Crabapple
        • Fruit Trees
      • Fruits and Berries
      • Shrubs
    • Contractors
    • Custom Pre-potting Flower Program
    • Gardening Tips for High Altitude Planting >
      • Vegetable Planting Schedule
    • Gardening Blog
    • High Altitude Planting Guide
    • Seasonal >
      • Fall >
        • Fall Bulbs for Spring Blossoms
      • Christmas >
        • Our Christmas Trees
        • Tree Care
        • Christmas Wreaths
  • Flower Barn
    • Order Flowers
    • Special Occasion Floral
  • Garden Boutique
  • Garden Cafe