Where does the Christmas tree originate from

Have you ever wondered why we put up a tree at Christmas and how long the tradition has been practised?

Christina Odell has compiled a fascinating brief history of the Christmas tree on Greencraft landscaping blog.

It seems that the Picea abies - the Norway Spruce - was not the original tree that was worshipped at the time of the year of Solstice.

Pagans, says Christina, original worshipped the mighty oak on solstice eve to welcome in the longer days until it was felled St. Boniface who wanted to deter the old Pagan rituals and, according to folklore, a fir tree sprang up in its place.

I was also interested to learn that the humble Christmas tree was not decorated to adorn British homes until one was given to Queen Victoria from Coburg in Germany - F.W. Woolworth were the first retailer to sell baubles.