Where does the tradition of the Christmas tree come from?

Au fil du temps, le sapin décoré est devenu un symbole indissociable de Christmas. Source de joie pour les petits et les grands, cette tradition rassemble la famille et les amoureux le temps « d’habiller » de guirlandes et de lumières le favori des conifères.

Its origins

The tradition of the Christmas tree is said to have appeared around 1521 in Alsace, and also in the Basel region. It originally represented the Tree of Eden in the mysteries performed on Christmas Eve on the banks of the Rhine. When it was decided to decorate it, apples were attached to its branches.

It was not until the 18th century, first in Germany and later in France and Austria, that the Christmas tree as we know it today was decorated. The tree was lit with small candles. It was not until the end of the same century that the Christmas tree tradition spread across Europe and reached America.

Another legend

Certains prétendent que la tradition du sapin décoré nous viendrait de Martin Luther, le fondateur de la religion protestante. Alors qu’il marchait dans la forêt, la veille de Noël, il aurait aperçu un sapin parsemé de cristaux de neige qui l’illuminaient comme autant de milliers d’étoiles. Il en fut si enchanté qu’il rapporta un sapin à la maison et le décora avec des bougies allumées pour faire partager à sa famille un peu de cette merveilleuse picture.

No matter where it comes from, it is appreciated throughout the Christmas festivities for the magic it creates wherever it is found.