The Christmas tree, a cherished symbol of the holiday season, has a relatively recent history in Athens. It was on Christmas Eve of 1843 that the first Christmas tree was displayed in a home within the city.
The Paparrigopoulos Family and the First Athenian Tree
The man credited with bringing this tradition to Greece is Ioannis Paparrigopoulos, the newly appointed Consul General of Russia to Athens. He had recently settled in the city and brought the custom from his homeland.
In his grand house located on Kydathinaion Street in the old Plaka neighborhood, Paparrigopoulos decorated a Christmas tree for his family. The sight of the illuminated tree, adorned with candles and ornaments brought from Russia, particularly those themed around Saint Nicholas, surprised and delighted Athenians.
A Noteworthy Encounter
An interesting anecdote surrounds the first Athenian Christmas tree. It is said that General Makriyannis visited Paparrigopoulos' home on Christmas Eve. Upon seeing the brightly lit and decorated tree, Makriyannis is reported to have remarked, "It's beautiful… But I don't let trees grow in my room—only my weapons do!"
The Bavarians and a Contested Origin
There's also a claim that the Bavarians introduced the custom of the Christmas tree to Greece a decade earlier, in 1833. According to this account, the first tree was decorated in King Otto's palace, initially located in Nafplio. The sight reportedly attracted significant attention, with residents forming long lines to marvel at the novelty.
The Symbolism of the Christmas Tree
The fir tree, traditionally used for Christmas decorations, holds a special significance. Unlike other trees, its leaves remain vibrant even during the winter months. This characteristic symbolizes the eternal life bestowed upon humanity by Christ. The triangular shape of the fir tree further adds meaning, representing the Holy Trinity.
The snow often incorporated into Christmas displays doesn't hold a specific Christian symbolism. It simply reflects the wintry setting of the joyous occasion.
The Meanings Behind the Decorations
The ornaments adorning the Christmas tree hold various symbolic meanings related to the birth of Christ:
- Lights: Represent Christ as the Light of Life. Traditionally, candles were used before electric lights became commonplace.
- Star: Placed at the top of the tree, it symbolizes the bright Star of the East that guided the Magi to the manger.
- Angel: Sometimes placed instead of a star, it symbolizes the Angel of the Lord who announced Christ's birth to Joseph and Mary.
- Red Balls: Traditionally red in color, they symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity, with red representing His blood.
- Garlands: Represent joy and celebration associated with the birth of Christ.
- Candy Canes: Shaped like shepherds' crooks, they symbolize the shepherds' tools used to guide their sheep. At Christmas, they represent Christ as the Good Shepherd who leads humanity towards righteousness.
With its rich symbolism and festive tradition, the Christmas tree has become an enduring symbol of the holiday season in Athens, blending spiritual significance with joyous celebration.