Is the Christmas Tree Pagan?

Every December, the question resurfaces: Is the Christmas tree pagan?

The short answer is no, and the longer answer helps us think more clearly about history, creation, and Christian symbolism.

It was while I lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that I first became acquainted with the story of Saint Boniface, after visiting a well-known church named after him. His story is often brought into this discussion. Boniface was an eighth-century missionary to the Germanic peoples. Tradition tells us that in one village stood a massive oak tree dedicated to Thor, beneath which pagan worship took place—and, according to historical reports, even violent human sacrifice. Boniface publicly cut down this oak, confronting both the false god and the fear that enslaved the people. Nothing happened to him. The “god” did not strike back. With the fall of the oak, the power of pagan fear collapsed, and the sacrifices ended. This was not syncretism, but confrontation—Christ exposing the emptiness of idols.

Later Christian tradition connects this event with a small evergreen tree growing nearby. Whether or not Boniface himself made this connection, the symbolism is fitting. Unlike the oak that fell, the evergreen remained alive through winter. Christians saw in it a picture of Christ: life in the midst of death, hope that endures, generosity replacing sacrifice, love replacing fear. Over time, believers began bringing evergreen trees into their homes during Christmas—not as objects of worship, but as visible reminders of gospel truth.

The modern Christmas tree, as we know it—decorated and displayed in homes—really gained its footing in 16th-century Germany. What is likely the earliest reference to this custom is often attributed to Martin Luther, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. During a winter evening walk, Luther was struck by the brilliance of the stars shining through the dark evergreen forest. Wanting to capture that beauty for his family, he cut down a tree, brought it into his home, and adorned its branches with lighted candles.

Ultimately, it is important to say this clearly: the tree is not “religiously neutral.” It is God’s creation. And all of creation, rightly understood, points beyond itself to His goodness, beauty, and truth. The problem with paganism was never trees, stars, or nature—it was the worship of creation instead of the Creator. Christianity does not erase creation; it restores its meaning. When Christians use a Christmas tree, they are not borrowing pagan worship, but reclaiming creation as a witness to the God who gives life, light, and love through Jesus Christ.

Nino Marques