where did the tradition of christmas trees originate

The tradition of Christmas trees has its origins in ancient cultures. In pre-Christian times, people in Northern Europe would bring green boughs inside their homes to symbolize the return of spring and fertility. This tradition was later adopted by Christians as a way to mark the birth of Jesus. The first recorded use of a Christmas tree in a church was in Germany in 1521. Over time, the tradition of bringing a tree inside and decorating it with lights and ornaments became a beloved part of the holiday season.