The Christmas tree
“Oh Christmas Tree , Oh Christmas tree – how lovely are thy branches….”
My favourite part of Christmas is choosing the tree which involves a family outing to Finchley Nurseries where trees of all sizes and varieties on display. Not for us the option of an artificial tree.
We don’t mind the needle drop – most trees can be treated in advance to minimise the mess – but its intoxicating scent and cent and matchless beauty cannot be measured.
The hymn “O Christmas Tree” originated in Germany as “O Tannenbaum” with based on a 16th century Silesian folk tune.
Ernst Anschütz, a Leipzig composer, teacher and organist, wrote new words in 1824. Popularised in Germany – as were so many much loved Christmas customs – the lyrics celebrate the fir tree’s evergreen quality as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness. Families set up “a paradise tree” in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve.
The history of Christmas trees has many traditions ranging from the use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome to the German custom of candlelit trees.
According to a popular version of the story, reformer Martin Luther was walking home one snowy winter’s evening when he noticed stars twinkling amidst the evergreens. It looked as if someone had lit up the trees .
Seemingly, the image was so vivid that on returning home, he recreated the magical scene for his family by fixing their tree’s branches with lighted candles.
As for the carol, it has been translated into more than one hundred languages – including English, of course:
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
How oft at Christmas tide the sight,
Of green fir tree, gives us delight!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
— Lynn Radnedge