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Evergreens: The History of the Christmas Tree

Resources: Community

Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree

From the Christmas tree farm to your living room, presents pile up beneath it — the Christmas tree! Evergreen trees have been a long lasting symbol in association with the Christmas holiday. The types of Christmas trees vary from Spruce to Fir trees. On the east coast, starting in mid-Pennsylvania ranging to Mississippi, the Virginia Pine reigns the most common Christmas tree. So… what is the history of the Christmas tree? And what does it symbolize? Continue reading to find out while also learning about some of the most iconic Christmas trees throughout the world. 

The origin of the Christmas tree can be traced back to pre-Christian times.  It is often a topic of debate, with some saying that Saint Boniface introduced the tree to Germany in the 8th century. Supposedly he chopped down a tree dedicated to Thor, the Norse god of thunder, and replanted it in honor of Christianity as a symbol of rebirth. Others believe that Martin Luther was the first to popularize it in the 16th century. He supposedly nailed a small fir tree to the wall of his home and decorated it with candles and sweets as a way to celebrate Christmas. However it came about, there is evidence that trees were used as Christmas decorations as early as the 15th century. 

Over the years, the Christmas tree has become one of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season. Families across the world decorate their trees with ornaments and lights, then gather to sing carols while sipping cocoa or eggnog. There has been a long association of evergreens with life and renewal, especially during winter. For example, Hindus hang mango, coconuts, or figs on their Christmas trees as symbols of fertility that are meant to enhance good luck. The ancient Druids also decorated their trees with lights and ornaments as part of their winter solstice celebrations.

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

As mentioned, the significance of Christmas trees has evolved over time. Initially, they were used as a symbol of Christianity and rebirth. Later, they became a way to celebrate the winter season and enjoy Christmas decorations. Today, they continue to bring happiness to people of all ages and religions around the world.

The Christmas tree has also served as a reminder of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. The tree is also seen as a symbol of Jesus’ victory over death, as well as a reminder of the promise of eternal life. Some people also believe that the Christmas tree is a symbol of the evergreen future, as opposed to the barren winter landscape.

However interpreted, these trees remain an indicator of the holiday season. Some of the most iconic Christmas trees can be found at Rockefeller Center in New York City, Trafalgar Square in London, and Champs-Elysees in Paris. These towering evergreen trees are lit up with thousands of dazzling lights, attracting visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas in a toasty home or a chilly city, the Christmas tree is a tradition that everyone can enjoy!


So what do you do with your Christmas tree after it dies, or has just fulfilled its purpose to you and your family?

Recycle it! Learn more about the Eco-Friendly Ways You Can Recycle Your Christmas Tree.

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Google Reviews

Grey Burkhart
Grey Burkhart
March 29, 2022.
Verified
Very professional review of our requirements and an accurate estimate. Showed up on time and were finished quickly. Cleaned up all of the debris and sawdust. Great job all around.
Dennis Bruns
Dennis Bruns
March 8, 2022.
Verified
We have used RTEC Treecare for several years. They do excellent work. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and take great care in explaining the various options available for your particular situation. I highly recommend them.
Annette Iannucci
Annette Iannucci
February 23, 2022.
Verified
We have been using RTEC for years and were very pleased with the recent tree maintenance work they did for us. As always, we got good advice from their arborist Ben,. The crew that did the work is highly skilled, and they did a great job trimming our trees. They worked safely and efficiently, in addition to leaving the yard clean after they finished the work.
Susan Crawford
Susan Crawford
January 26, 2022.
Verified
RTEC was at my house today to removed a large Magnolia that was badly damaged by the recent snow. They did a fantastic job at a very reasonable price. They arrived right on time, worked efficiently and quickly and cleaned up so well it was hard to tell anything have been disturbed. Over the past several years, I have used RTEC for all the services I checked above, and have always been very pleased with their service and professionalism. I also appreciate that they are not eager to take down trees that don't need to come down. In this case, the damage was too extensive for the tree to recover.
Kenton Morgan
Kenton Morgan
January 20, 2022.
Verified
Once again, RTEC has done a great job. The team showed up right on time and performed all the work that we agreed to. They kept us informed as to progress, coordinated with us concerning our maple, and made recommendations concerning ongoing support for our trees. At the end of the day, they thoroughly cleaned up the debris and left our yard in pristine condition. WELL DONE.
Jean Kluttz
Jean Kluttz
January 3, 2022.
Verified
Not our first time but this time was tricky removal of a large dead tree leaning on a healthy tree. Quick response for estimate, good timing to removal, all clear and healthy tree still fine.
Jerry Haggin
Jerry Haggin
December 16, 2021.
Verified
Very good work while ensuring that I was aware of status of my work order and planned completion.
Mike Iger
Mike Iger
December 16, 2021.
Verified
David Roberts
David Roberts
December 15, 2021.
Verified
We’ve used RTEC for many years for tree maintenance and can’t say enough good things about their service. We use them for tree trimming and for regular treatments to maintain our trees’ health and deal with pests and prevent disease. Their arborist Ben has been especially helpful with advice. RTEC also been especially helpful in emergency situations, once coming to cable a massive, heritage oak in our yard right before a hurricane was about to hit. Highly recommend.
Travis Larson
Travis Larson
December 10, 2021.
Verified
RTEC did an excellent job onsite of removing dead branches from our 80+ year old trees, and trimming other growth too close to our home.
Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 185 reviews.

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