Monday, November 16, 2009

Why pine trees??

okay..





so, i've wondered this for a long time now. if Christmas is Jesus' birthday, and Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which is mostly desert, then why do we decorate pine trees for Christmas? how are pine trees associated with this holiday?





when did this tradition start, where did it start?

Why pine trees??
Christmas was celebrated at the time of the Winter Solstice. People in Germany decorated pine trees for the Solstice and Christianity adopted it since it was a popular "pagan" activity that they weren't willing to give up. Also, pines and other conifers are the only green, thus living, trees during the Winter Solstice.
Reply:Pine trees are evergreens, by keeping their leaves (or needles) year-round, this is symbolic of eternal life. Stars (or angels) are traditionally placed on top of the tree symbolizing the Star over Bethlehem.





Hope that helps some


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