Evergreens Predate Christianity by a Long Way

Long before Christmas existed, ancient cultures across Europe brought evergreen branches
indoors during the winter solstice as a symbol that life would return after the darkest, coldest
part of the year, evergreens, unlike other trees, stayed green through winter, which read as a
promise rather than a coincidence.

The Modern Christmas Tree Starts in Germany

The specific tradition of a fully decorated indoor tree is credited to 16th-century Germany,
with devout Christians bringing decorated trees into their homes, some accounts tie this
specifically to Martin Luther, who is said to have added lit candles to a tree to recreate
starlight he’d seen through evergreen branches on a winter walk.

How It Reached Britain and America

The tradition spread to Britain in the early 1800s and was significantly popularized after an
1848 illustration of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (who was German) standing around a
decorated tree was published and widely copied. German immigrants independently brought the
tradition to America around the same period.

From Candles to Electric Lights

Real candles remained the standard, and a real fire hazard, until Edward H. Johnson, an
associate of Thomas Edison, hand-wired the first electrically lit Christmas tree in 1882.
Electric tree lights weren’t widely affordable for most households until the 1920s, decades
after they were first demonstrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Martin Luther really invent the Christmas tree?

It’s a popular legend rather than confirmed history, he’s often credited with adding candles to a tree, but the broader tradition of decorated indoor evergreens in Germany predates any single confirmed originator.

When did electric Christmas tree lights become common?

They were first demonstrated in 1882 but weren’t affordable or common in average households until the 1920s.

Why evergreens specifically, and not other trees?

Evergreens stay green through winter while other trees lose their leaves, which made them a natural symbol of enduring life during the darkest part of the year, long before any Christian association existed.