Best available evidence reveals that Christmas trees were originally hung upside down from ceilings, rather than sitting the right way up in tubs.
The Christmas tree originated in pagan mid-winter festival symbology, with sacred ash and oak branches being introduced to the hearthside. When Christianity came along, the symbol was adapted to suit the new religion. The triangular form of the pine and fir trees became more popular as a representation of the Christian trinity. However the upside-down tradition continued at least as far as the 12th Century.
The baubles on our trees also originate in pagan times, as fruit was used to decorate the trees. Electric lights, however, didn’t become popular until the 20th Century!
