As we have discovered in one of our earlier blogs, the worship of trees has gone on for thousands of years, and the religious values held around the Christmas tree is no different.

Though the true origin of the Christmas tree remains somewhat illusive; as we see it today, the origins of the Christmas tree, as worshipped by Christians, can be found from 1000 years ago in Germany.

It is said that when St Boniface, the Apostle of the Germans, came across a group of Pagans worshipping an oak tree, he cut it down only for a fir tree to grow in its place. Somewhat surprised, he took this as a sign of Christian faith and from there on, the fir tree was forever associated with Christianity.

Of course, looking at the fir tree itself, one can see why some Christians would associate this with their religion. Legend has it that St. Boniface himself would associate the shape of the tree with that of the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Indeed, by the 12th Century, Europeans would hang the fir tree upside-down at Christmas time, forever embedding the tree not just into Christianity, but too with the Christmas period.

During the late Middle Ages (1300-1500), the fir tree tradition had spread to Scandinavia where they would place trees outside their homes to represent their faith and hope for the forthcoming spring.

The real beginnings of the Christmas tree as we know it today however, is said to come from German monk, Martin Luther in 1510.

The story goes that whilst walking through the snow-covered woods he was struck by the beauty of the fir tree and decided to take it home and decorate it with candles.

Although reports vary as to why he decided to do this, some say it was to honour the birth of Christ, whilst others say it was to demonstrate the beauty of stars to his children.

Whatever the story, it is fairly certain that Martin Luther became the first person to ever decorate a fir tree in such a way.

Around 1610 tinsel was invented in Germany where real silver would be used to decorate the trees, a tradition that would continue right into the 20th century where cheaper plastic materials would instead be used to decorate the trees.

Interestingly, the first Christmas tree in Britain exists in conflicting forms. Although many credit Prince Albert to have brought the first tree from Germany, history lends this honour instead to Queen Charlotte, wife of George III.

Queen Charlotte (otherwise known as "Good Queen Charlotte"), who herself was of German origin, planned in the year 1800, a great party for all the children of the principal families in Windsor.

Unsure as to how she would make the party particularly special, she brought into the court an entire yew tree which she then covered in baubles and fruit. Once ready, presents were placed under the tree and the party was ready.

Although indeed Queen Charlotte perhaps started the Christmas tree tradition amongst the aristocracy and higher classes, it would not be until 1840 when Prince Albert imported several trees for the Christmas period; making the Christmas tree tradition in Britain fashionable among the people for the first time.

Although the Christmas tree was and still is a large part of the Christmas tradition, in the United States however, Christmas itself was perhaps not quite as big in the 19th century.

As late as 1851, one Cleveland minister nearly lost his job for bringing a tree into church, and in 1870, schools in Boston opened on Christmas Day, expelling students who stayed at home; far removed from the two week holiday period that children enjoy today.

You can of course enjoy the fir and pine family throughout the entire year because, as well as making beautiful decoration, they also make fantastic pieces of furniture. Check out our lovely collection of solid Pine wardrobes and bedroom furniture to see how beautiful pine really can be - View our collection here.