The Christmas tree and its story to tell the children
We know who came up with the great idea of decorating a pine tree or a fir tree and turning it into a Christmas tree? In fact, Christmas is full of stories and beautiful legends with which to enjoy counting and listening as a family. If we search a little we can entertain ourselves at Christmas discovering the meaning of the Christmas symbols.
We are used to hearing that the Christmas tree is "of all life" on the December bridge, although some families to ride it wait until the 13th. It is not a bad idea because it is usually this day, St. Lucia festivity, when for the first time the flea markets and the Christmas stands of the most central squares of the cities are opened. In them we find Christmas trees decorated for all tastes.
The two theories of the Christmas tree
There are several theories about the origin of Christmas tree. One of the most widespread claims that comes from the Celts of Central Europe. They used many symbols and little by little imposed customs that have reached our days. With trees for example, they used to represent various gods. One of them was Frey, the god of fertility and the Sun. The Celts celebrated his birth by decorating a tree on December 25th. That tree was called Idrasil, which means tree of the universe. The upper part represented heaven and the lower part represented hell.
But this does not stop being a pagan tradition and, nevertheless, we know that the Christmas tree, because of its triangular shape, reminds the Holy Trinity. Since when does this happen? Who was responsible? To find out we have to go back to the year 723 AD.
At that time, St. Boniface, who was in Germany preaching the Gospel, went to Rome a few days to meet Pope Gregory II. When he returned, he found that the Germans kept alive the tradition of celebrating the winter solstice by sacrificing a young man under the Odin tree. Odin is the god of war, death, wisdom, magic and poetry. This awoke in him a holy anger that pushed him to grab the ax that one of the Celts was holding to cut the famous sacred tree.
Then the wind blew hard and the tree of Odin fell on a pine tree, which remained intact. This, which seemed something magical and mysterious, was added to the geometric shape of the tree, the one we spoke of a moment ago. In addition, the pine has a perennial leaf, which is also associated with the love that God professes to men. All these things became the perfect justification for the presence of the Christmas tree in Christian homes. And so ... until today.
The decorations of the Christmas tree also have their history
Not only the Christmas tree has a symbolism. Have you ever wondered what the balls mean? And the star or the lights?
- Balls. The Christmas balls started being apples. St. Boniface placed them in the pine tree that did not fall as allusions to original sin. Little by little, for design reasons they have been transformed and today the trees are decorated with spheres or balls of different colors.
- Lights. Originally the lights of the Christmas trees were small candles, something like a wink in the light of Christ. Fortunately, the passage of time has allowed us to replace them with the famous LED lights! Although in many houses the candles still look like centerpieces, and they look beautiful!
- Ties. Not all Christmas trees have ties. This is a decorative element that is not as common as the others, but if you do not usually put them to yours, you may change your mind to know what they mean. The ties of the Christmas trees represent the love of the families, the bond between its members and the good coexistence. Does the argument convince you?
- The star. The Magi from the East arrived at the Bethlehem portal thanks to a star that guided them on their way. Therefore, a star is usually placed on the top of the Christmas tree. Some families prefer to replace it with a sprig of holly. Like all perennial plants, holly had in ancient times a sacred value. Hence, it is also typical of these dates.
Tell your children this story and explain what the decorations on your Christmas tree mean. If you have already put it and you lack some, you can choose among those we propose to you that, because of its meaning, interests you more. You can also draw them as a family on the cards Christmas greeting. Now that you know what they symbolize, it can be much more fun.
Elisa García
