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Christmas Traditions

by Liz Olson

Although in modern times Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, it was not observed by early Christians. Christmas was added to the church calendar as a feast day in the fourth century. Since that time, Christmas has developed into an international holiday celebrated by religious and secular people alike. Follow this slideshow to learn about the origins of many Christmas traditions.

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Christmas Tree

The modern Christmas tree was likely born in the eighth century, when St. Boniface was converting the Germanic tribes. The tribes worshipped oak trees and decorated them for the winter solstice. When St. Boniface cut down an enormous oak tree, a fir tree grew in its place. The evergreen was offered as a symbol of Christianity, which the newly converted Germans began decorating for Christmas.

Fun Fact: Prince Albert, who was German, introduced the Christmas tree to England after his marriage to Queen Victoria in 1840. German immigrants to Pennsylvania brought Christmas trees to America.

Photo source: www.whitehouse.gov

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