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The Christmas tree is an important holiday tradition in countries all over the world, and is a tradition that originated in Germany. The fir tree has a long association with Christianity that began in Germany almost 1,000 years ago when St Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, was said to have come across a group of [[pagans]] worshiping an oak tree. In anger, St Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak tree. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. But it was not until the 16th century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time.

The Christmas tree is an important holiday tradition in countries all over the world, and is a tradition that originated in Germany. The fir tree has a long association with Christianity that began in Germany almost 1,000 years ago when [[Saint Boniface|St Boniface]], who converted the German people to Christianity, was said to have come across a group of [[pagans]] worshiping an oak tree. In anger, St Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak tree. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. But it was not until the 16th century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time.

The Hessian soldiers brought the Christmas tree tradition to America during the [[Revolutionary War]].

The Hessian soldiers brought the Christmas tree tradition to America during the [[Revolutionary War]].

The Christmas carol "O, Christmas Tree" is also of German origin. The best known version of "O, Tannenbaum" was written in 1824 by a composer named Ernst Anschutz. The melody is an old folk tune.

The Christmas carol "O, Christmas Tree" is also of German origin. The best known version of "O, Tannenbaum" was written in 1824 by a composer named Ernst Anschutz. The melody is an old folk tune.