The Christmas tree is a pagan, pre- christian symbol expressing the hope of
a re- awakening of nature after months of wintery cold and darkness. To
underline this the candles are lit not before the longest night of the year
has come.
The tradition stems from southern Germany. Being considered a heathen symbol
"Tannenbaeume" are still not allowed to be displayed in many churches and
schools of Puritan congegrations in Lower Saxony (Germany) and in parts of the
Netherlands. It is only since recently that the Pope allows a Christmas tree
(from South Tirol)to be put in St. Peter's Square. As to how sensible the
tree issue has always been for the Vatican, shows the fact that christian
missionaries started their convertion campaigns of Saxons and Frisians by
cutting their sacred trees and banning trees to be planted on cemeteries.
The Germanic tradition proved to be stronger than papal restrictions, though.
It can also be found at the "Cimitero Accatolico" at the pyramide in Rome,
where foreigners and protestants were allowed to be buried within the walls
of the holy city. There every single tree needed a special authorisation
by the Vatican.

Thoralf Eppen