where did the tradition of a christmas tree come from

The tradition of the Christmas tree can be traced back to ancient times when early Germans would decorate their homes with evergreen boughs. The evergreen symbolized eternal life and was believed to ward off evil spirits during the winter months. The practice evolved over time, and in the 16th century, Martin Luther, a German monk, began decorating his home with candles to represent the stars of heaven. This eventually led to the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, which has become a cherished part of the holiday season.