Despite its title, the popular carol O, Christmas Tree was not originally a Christmas song. According to the University Libraries at The Ohio State University, the modern lyrics to the song referenced the evergreen tree as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness. Also sung and often referred to as O Tannenbaum (tannenbaum is the German word for fir tree), O, Christmas Tree is based on a traditional German folk song that can be traced back several centuries, though the modern lyrics have been credited to German composer Ernst Anschütz, who wrote the now widely recognizable words in 1824.
O, Christmas Tree
O Christmas Tree O, Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
They’re green when summer days are bright;
They’re green when winter snow is white.
O, Christmas Tree, O, Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
How oft at Christmas tide the sight,
O green fir tree, gives us delight!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
They’re green when summer days are bright;
They’re green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!
Lyrics courtesy of LyricsforChristmas.com
