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Riga is the home of Christmas tree decorations
The Christmas tree tradition has its roots in the Latvian capital of Riga. The birth of the Christmas tree is almost certainly pre-Christian. The Egyptians were known to treasure evergreen and at the winter solstice they brought green date palm leaves into their homes to symbolize life's triumph over death.
The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a feast called Saturnalia, the god of agriculture and decorated their homes with green leaves and lights. It was also a time when they exchanged gifts. In Britain Druids used evergreens in winter solstice rituals and added holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life
But the best-known of Christmas traditions - decorating the Christmas tree - has its origin in Latvia and Riga in particular. The first recorded Riga tree in 1510 was decorated with paper flowers and then burnt in a bonfire.
This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Rad Djork. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.
