Christmas trees are believed to have originated in the ancient city of Gezer in what is now modern-day Israel. In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel wrote about the "cedars of Lebanon" that were used to build the Temple in Jerusalem, and these trees may have also been used to decorate the Tabernacle during the time of the Israelite Exodus. Additionally, evergreen trees and coniferous plants were often used in pagan rituals throughout the ancient world, which may have contributed to the modern tradition of decorating evergreens for Christmas.