The first christmas tree

The transition of faith in the heart of the forest

Henry Van Dyke

26 pages, parution le 19/07/2023

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Résumé

"The First Christmas Tree: A Story of the Forest" by Henry Van Dyke is a narrative set in the year 722, during the time of the Christianization of the Germanic tribes. The story follows Winfried, later known as Saint Boniface, an English missionary who travels through the dense forests of Germany to spread the message of Christianity. On Christmas Eve, Winfried and his companions arrive at the sacred Thunder-oak of Geismar, where the local pagan tribe is preparing to sacrifice a child to the god Thor. Winfried intervenes, stopping the sacrifice and challenging the power of the old gods. He speaks to the people about the birth of Christ and the new faith that brings peace and love, contrasting it with the fear and violence of their traditional beliefs. In a dramatic moment, Winfried and his young companion Gregor cut down the Thunder-oak, symbolizing the fall of the old pagan ways. In its place, they plant a fir tree, which Winfried declares will be a symbol of the new faith and the celebration of Christmas. The story concludes with the tribe embracing the message of Christianity, gathering around the fir tree to celebrate the birth of Christ with joy and song. Van Dyke's tale is a powerful allegory of change and the triumph of light over darkness, illustrating the spread of Christianity and the establishment of new traditions that continue to be celebrated today.