Is the Christmas Tree a pagan leftover or a Christian symbol?
A. The custom of adorning an evergreen tree at mid-winter probably originated in pagan times. Catholics of the Middle Ages staged religious plays, and an evergreen tree bedecked with apples was the usual stage prop for the Garden of Eden. Christ changed the tree of death into the tree of life, so they began to hang white wafers to symbolise the Eucharist. When the tree was linked to Christmas, stars and angels were added. Placing the family gifts under the tree can remind us of God’s gift of the Saviour.
