|
Below is more from the site Marlin recommended. Note that it also mentions the fruitlike tree from the garden of Eden. Interesting that it is also mentioned in the article I posted. Personally I think that if someone feels a Christmas Tree is pagan and if it doesn't represent the "symbols" associated with Christmas then it is wrong for them to have a tree. I like the tree as a symbol and the lights and ornaments and other decorations. In no way am I intending to put down Marlin. My intent is only to point out that what is pagan for some may not be pagan for others.
Question: Would any of you consider Nativity sets idols? Just curious. Laura
During the Middle Ages, the Germans believed the evergreen trees were especially imbued with life since they remained green throughout all of winter. Greenery was prominent in pagan winter celebrations in honour of the tree spirit or spirit of fertility. The Romans trimmed the trees with trinkets and toys at that time of year. The Druids tied gilded apples to tree branches. For many, a tree decorated with orbs and fruit-like object symbolised the tree of life in the garden of Eden. |
--- Begin Message ---
http://members.iinet.net.au/~gregga/hebrew/xmastree.html
The Pagan Origin of The Christmas Tree
The concept of the Christmas Tree originated around 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt with King Osiris and Queen Isis.
After the untimely death of King Osiris, his wife, Isis, propogated the demonic doctrine of the survival of Osiris as a spirit. She claimed a full grown evergreen tree sprang overnight from a dead stump, symbolising the new life of the Osiris spirit from his death. On each anniversary of Osiris birth, which was the date we now know as December 25th, Isis would leave gifts around this tree.----- Original Message -----From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Friday, December 05, 2003 9:22 AMSubject: [TruthTalk] Christmas TreesI remember last year we had a big thread about Christmas trees. I came across this while planning my calendar for Parents Day Out and thought it was interesting. Laura
The tradition of decorating the Paradeisbaum, or Paradise trees, originated in Europe. Christians would celebrate the holiday on Christmas Eve by acting out important events in Scripture. One of the skits that was performed was the 'The Garden of Eden' scene. Since it was the wintertime in Europe it was not possible to find an apple tree with apples, so an evergreen tree would be substituted. The actors first hung apples on their "Paradise Trees", later adding other adornments such as dried fruits and nuts.
The increase in popularity of the Paradeisbaum is attributed to Martin Luther. It is believed that he first added lighted candles to his Paradise Tree after walking home through the woods one winter evening. He was in the midst of composing a sermon and was awestruck by the brilliance of the millions of twinkling stars above the evergreens. So inspired by the beauty of God's creation, he cut down an evergreen and brought it home to his family, then wired lighted candles to the tree to recreate the starlit scene.
Paradise trees eventually became known as 'Christ Trees', then Christmas Trees. It is believed that Christmas trees were brought to America by Germans that immigrated to Pennsylvania. The diary of Matthew Zahm of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, records the introduction of the Christmas tree being brought to the New World December 20, 1821.
--- End Message ---
