The Fascinating History of the Christmas Tree

It started in ancient Egypt

Mural from the Tomb of Roy/ The tree on the left is the original artwork.

Did you ever think that you could trace the origins of the Christmas tree back to ancient Egypt?

I was surprised when I made this stunning discovery. The epic history of this remarkable civilisation will never cease to amaze me.

Ancient Egyptians used to decorate conifers and made wreaths as well as garland to celebrate Ra, the Sun God.

They believed that winter came every year because Ra was sick. On the 21st or 22nd of December, during the solstice, the population used to celebrate Ra by filling their home with beautiful evergreen trees.

This event was proof that the Sun God was going to get better. Ra was worshipped all over Egypt and often depicted as a hawk-headed man carrying the solar disk.

Mural from the Tomb of Tausert and Setnakht

Ancient Egyptians believed that the solstice symbolised the triumph of life over death. Evergreens were thus the symbol of rebirth and joy.

Archaeologists were left shocked when they discovered Christmas trees mural in the tomb of Roy.