Every year around the end of Thanksgiving, many people start to decorate for Christmas. For those who celebrate Christmas, there are many different things that you can do for decorations. One staple of the home happens to be the Christmas tree. Some people go to local shops and purchase a new tree every year. Others buy a Christmas tree that can be stored at home (not real). Each tree is decorated with different ornaments and accessories that represent individuals and families. But, have you ever wondered why we use Christmas trees every year and where do they come from?

History of the Evergreen Plant in Winter

Christmas trees started way back before Christianity even existed. It is said that ancient people believed that the evergreen tree would stay green year-round and help to celebrate the winter season. This meant that people used pine and other evergreen plants to fill their homes. They also thought that evergreen plants could ward away evil. Ancient Egyptians began to use evergreen plants to worship their Gods and heal them from illnesses. That is how many people began decorating with evergreen and pine during the month of December.

Christmas Trees as We Know Them Today

Christmas trees as we know them today began in Ancient Germany. In the 16th century, many Germans began to decorate their homes with trees during Christmas time. 6th-century Protestant reformer Martin Luther happened to enjoy looking at evergreen trees, and that is why many people wanted to decorate their homes with these trees.

Christmas Trees in America

In the 19th century, many Americans did not understand the tradition of the Christmas tree. Historically, when the Pilgrims came to America, celebrating Christmas was forbidden. However, when Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were shown in a magazine with a Christmas tree, people began to come around. In 1850, Christmas trees began to be sold commercially to families and businesses. By the 1890s, Christmas trees were in everyone’s homes who celebrated.

In 1912, Boston, New York City, and Connecticut had the first “community” trees in places that people would go visit. And, the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree, a New York City staple, dates back all the way to the Depression era.

Now, many people put Christmas trees up in their homes. In 2019, it was estimated that 77 percent of U.S. families have a Christmas tree in their house. However, more often, people today are opting for artificial trees, as they are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.