It was on this day, Christmas Eve of 1843, that the first Christmas tree was set up in a house in Athens.

Learn about who decorated it, and when the widely embraced tradition became established in Greece.

The First Christmas Tree in Plaka

The first family to set up a Christmas tree in their home was Ioannis Paparrigopoulos, the new Consul General of Russia to Athens.

During Christmas of 1843, Ioannis Paparrigopoulos had recently settled in Athens and brought the tradition of the Christmas tree to Athens for the first time.

His family adorned the tree with candles and St. Nicholas-themed ornaments brought from Russia.

Having grown accustomed to the tradition, Paparrigopoulos decorated one in his grand home in the old Athenian neighborhood of Plaka, at 27 Kydathinaion Street. The sight of the illuminated tree created a pleasant surprise among Athenians.

“I Don’t Let Trees Grow in My Room”

It is said that on Christmas Eve of 1843, General Makriyannis visited Paparrigopoulos’ home. As Makriyannis climbed the stairs of the mansion, Paparrigopoulos led him to the grand hall, where the brightly lit and decorated tree stood, nearly two meters tall.

Makriyannis reportedly nodded and remarked: “It’s beautiful, Mr. Giannis. Let’s hope for good health next year. But I don’t let trees grow in my room—only my weapons do!”

Or Were the Bavarians the First?

It is also said that the custom of the Christmas tree was brought to Greece by the Bavarians. The first tree in Greece was reportedly decorated in King Otto’s palace in 1833, initially in Nafplio. The tree attracted great attention, with residents forming long queues to marvel at it.

The Symbolism of the Christmas Tree

The fir tree, traditionally used for Christmas decorations, has a unique quality: its leaves do not wither or fall, remaining lush even in the heart of winter. This characteristic symbolizes the eternal life of Christ.

If we observe the shape of the tree—the fir—it is triangular. This shape symbolizes the Holy Trinity.

The snow often added to the tree and the nativity scene does not carry any specific Christian symbolism. It merely reflects the wintry setting of the joyful event.

The Decorations and Their Meaning

The ornaments on the Christmas tree carry various symbolic meanings related to the birth of Christ:

  • Lights: Represent Christ as the Light of Life. In earlier times, candles were used before electric lights became common.
  • Star: Placed at the top of the tree, it symbolizes the bright Star of the East that signaled Christ’s birth and guided the three 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 the Virgin Mary.
  • Red Balls: Traditionally red in color, they symbolize the sacrifice of the Savior for humanity, with red representing His blood.
  • Garlands: Represent joy and celebration, signifying the birth of Christ.
  • Candy Canes: Shaped like shepherds’ crooks, they symbolize the shepherd’s tool used to guide sheep. At Christmas, they symbolize Christ as the Good Shepherd who leads humanity to righteousness.

Through its rich symbolism and festive tradition, the Christmas tree has become an enduring representation of the holiday, blending spiritual meanings with celebratory joy.

Source: Ta Nea