The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany, where families set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They hung wafers on it (symbolizing the Eucharistic host, the Christian sign of redemption).

Rockefeller Center Of all the New York City holiday traditions, filing into Rockefeller Center to see the famous Christmas Tree continues to be a source of perennial magic.

One of the more enjoyable Christmas traditions is to replant a living Christmas tree into your landscape after the holiday season. Living trees are usually purchased as containerized trees grown in pots or as "balled and burlapped" (B&B) trees. These have large field-dug root balls bundled in burlap or other fabric.

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

In Christianity, the Christmas tree represents Jesus Christ's birth and resurrection. People think of the tree's branches and bushes as a sign of immortality because they look like Christ's crown of thorns on the cross. Also, people believe that each ornament on the Christmas tree has a special meaning.

For many, the Christmas tree represents Jesus Christ's birth and resurrection. The tree branches and bushes are regarded as a sign of immortality and are thought to represent Christ's crown of thorns on the crucifixion.

Bringing evergreen trees indoors has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals - both by Pagans and Christians - for thousands of years. Pagans would decorate their homes during the winter solstice with tree branches, as a symbol of spring that was just around the corner.

Douglas Fir Most Popular Christmas Tree: Douglas Fir The Douglas fir is one of the top-selling Christmas tree varieties in the U.S., thanks to its soft, sweetly scented needles and full form. It's even exported to Hawaii!

Bringing evergreen trees indoors has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals - both by Pagans and Christians - for thousands of years. Pagans would decorate their homes during the winter solstice with tree branches, as a symbol of spring that was just around the corner.

Balsam fir has long been a preferred species for many consumers because of its strong Christmas tree scent. It has dark green needles and excellent form.

Symbol of Eternal Life The legend also has that after the birth of Jesus Christ in the winter season, some of the trees shook off the snow and turned green to mark the great event. Thus, the Christmas tree represents permanence and immortality.

The first time the birth of Jesus Christ was attributed to the date December 25 was in the 4th century, according to early Roman history. Early celebrations of Christmas are thought to have derived from Roman and other European festivals that marked the end of the harvest, and the winter solstice.