FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 36, 24 December 1943, Page 3

FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE

A GERMAN LEGEND

There is a legend which lolls the origin of the first Christmas Tree. Among the forests ol Germany there lived a savage tribe, Avhieh worshipped the gocl Thor; and, there was a tree in the forest, a great ■dark oak tree. Avhieh they held to, be- the symbol of this cruel god. livery year at Christmas-time the tribe, assembled at this tree., and slew one of I heir number as an offering to Thor, and drenched the roots ol the tree Avith his blood. Once ulien the tribe liail assembled round the tree to Avorship their god and to oiler their offering, there eanu: to them a Christian missionary called Bo nil ace. A lad amis brought forth to be offered to Thor; he Avas kneeling down and Avaiting for the blow of the great hammer, when Boniface intervened. The missionary said ho came to tell them oi the Christ, who wished for the blood of none, but the happiness of all; he said that the god Thor Avas deacl, and he called on his followers, Avho came and hewed down the tree. Then the eyes, of Boniface fell on a young lir tree, standing straight and green, and lie said: "Here, is the ■living tree with no sign of blood; it shall be the sign o.f your new worship. 7 ' They took up the tree, and. placing it in a sledge, drew it to the hall, where they kindled lights among its branches: and then the. A-oiee of singing was heard: and some said it was the voice of but others said it was; Boniface and his companions at the dower end of the hall, chanting t?ieir Christmas 1 hymn: I ''All glory be to Cod on high. | And on earth be peace. Cioe.ihv.ill henceforth from Heaven to men. i Beu'in and. never cease..''*