Christmas trees are a strange tradition, if you think about it: Every December, people in regions around the world go to the nearest forest, cut down a tree, drag it into their homes, decorate it with lights, baubles and glitter – then pull it without ceremonies to the curb in January.
But evergreen boughs have been an important seasonal decoration since time immemorial as part of pagan winter solstice celebrations. “Evergreens at midwinter festivals were traditional since the ancient world, signifying the victory of life and light over death and darkness,” Carole Cusack, professor of religious studies at the University of Sydney, wrote in an email.
It’s hard to pinpoint when and where these pagan traditions morphed into the tradition as we know it: Several countries claim to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree, and there are competing mythologies that try to explain what it all means. But while Christmas trees are popping up around the world, their origins are traced to regions with abundant evergreen forests — especially those in northern Europe. Here’s a look at how the Christmas tree evolved into a modern icon—and inspired new customs along the way.