The ancient world saw many cultures using the evergreen tree to represent new and everlasting life in the midst of the cold and darkness of the midwinter months.

The peoples of early Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Druidic cultures all had ways of utilizing coniferous or palm trees or branches in their pleas to the gods to bring life back to the earth.

One of the earliest references to a decorated evergreen tree at the time of mid-winter is the use of an evergreen tree as a stage prop in early morality plays during the High Middle Ages often performed on the Festival of Adam and Eve, which occurs on December 24th. Since no laden apple tree was available during the winter months, some unknown, quick-thinking stage manager decided to use an evergreen tree with the addition of apples, leftover from the fall season, tied to its branches. This became very popular, and eventually, it became fashionable for families to bring these "Paradise Trees" into their homes to celebrate this important church festival. The Church also adopted the evergreen tree symbol to represent Christ.

There are many stories that surround the development of the evergreen tree into the full-blown symbol of Christmas that it is today. One legend from the early sixteenth century tells of Reverend Martin Luther who, upon walking in the woods one Christmas Eve, watched in wonder as stars appeared between the branches of a snow-laden evergreen. He found the sight so stunning that he decided to share it with his family. He cut the tree down, and, bringing it back to his house, proceeded to attach small candles to the branches, lighting them to show how lovely the starlight looked, twinkling amongst the boughs. However, this is probably an early Lutheran myth, because the earliest documented record of a Christmas tree in Germany is dated to almost 60 years after his death.

By the sixteenth century, many towns were banning the performance of public plays, as town officials felt they incited the crowds to unacceptable behavior. But many folks continued to bring "Paradise Trees" into their homes to celebrate the winter festivals. They later added small round pieces of bread to represent communion wafers. These evolved into the common practice of hanging cookies on the tree. Soon, other tasty items were added to the tree, and it became popular to let the children of the house remove and consume them on Christmas Day.

By the early 17th century, very thin strips of silver were draped on the branches to resemble sparkling snow. We still use this ornamentation today and call it tinsel.

In the early days of America, many European Christian practices and symbols such as the burning of the Yule Log and the use of holly and mistletoe were banned as being too closely related to Paganism. However, by the early 1700's, German immigrants were bringing the concept of the Christmas Tree along with their families and luggage.

By the mid 19th century, a minister in Cleveland, Ohio included a Christmas Tree in the sanctuary decorations, much to the dismay of his congregation. Eventually, this practice became accepted, and not long after, the White House was including the embellished evergreen in their Christmas decorations. President Calvin Coolidge was the first American President to host the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the White House lawn.

Whether you witness the majestic Christmas Tree at the White House, or tuck a few evergreen branches into a flowerpot; whether you decorate your tree with apples or ornaments, tidbits or tinsel, this 500-year-old tradition remains one that unites much of the world today.

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