Written records show the first Christmas tree to have emerged from Latvia, though Estonia claims to hold the record

The tradition of displaying a beautifully decorated and illuminated Christmas tree in homes is a beloved holiday tradition that many families look forward to each year. However, the origins of this tradition are still a topic of debate among historians and Christmas enthusiasts.

One country that claims to be the home of the world’s first Christmas tree is Latvia. According to several sources, including the National Christmas Tree Association, the first written record of a decorated Christmas tree comes from Riga, Latvia. In 1510, men of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, an association of unmarried merchants and foreign traders, decorated a tree with artificial roses. They then brought the tree to the marketplace, danced around it, and set it on fire. A plaque engraved with the words “The First New Year’s Tree in Riga in 1510” in eight languages is displayed in Latvia to commemorate this event.

On the other hand, Tallinn, Estonia, contradicts Latvia’s claim and asserts that they were the first to have a Christmas tree. Visit Tallinn notes that the Brotherhood of the Blackheads brought a tree to Tallinn Town Square in 1441, predating the tree in Latvia. Both cities continue to display Christmas trees annually in their main squares during the holiday season, creating a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

While the debate over the origins of the first Christmas tree may continue, the tradition of bringing trees into homes during the holiday season is believed to have originated in Germany during the 1600s. The National Christmas Tree Association states that during this time, apples, red strips of paper, and gilded nuts were popular decorations for Christmas trees.

In the United States, the Christmas tree tradition gained popularity in the 1800s, with the first Christmas tree farm opening in 1901 in New Jersey. Today, there are approximately 15,000 Christmas tree farms across the country, where families can choose the perfect tree to adorn their homes during the holiday season.

Whether the first Christmas tree originated in Latvia, Estonia, or Germany, the tradition of decorating trees and creating festive displays continues to bring joy and warmth to homes around the world during the holiday season. Families cherish the tradition of selecting and decorating a Christmas tree, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital.