The Christmas tree wasn't an original idea but the assimilation of an old one.
Evergreen have been a feature of midwinter festivals in parts of Europe since long before Christ.They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare.Thus they represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.
Primitive European tribed hung evergreens above their doors to offer the wandering winter spirits shelter within their homes in hopes of receiving good fortune and good health in return.The Romans decorated their homes with the greens at the 'festival of Saturnalia and at the kalends of January,their New Year.Thsy exchanged evergreen branches with friends as a sign of good luck.The Druids viewed evergreens as sacred,a symbol of life itself.
When Christmas came about,many of these accepted practices were incorporated as Christmas customs,though only after checking that they availed themselves to a christian interpretation.The use of evergreens was and is most widespread in 'england and Germanny where religious meaning first began to be associated with the plants over 500 years ago.
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