Like most traditional Christmas songs, the origin of “O Christmas Tree” is cloaked in mystery. For some experts, the simplicity of the song can perhaps be attributed to medieval times. However, the most popular belief is that the song is of German origin – the home of the original Christmas tree.

Known as “O Tannenbaum” in German speaking tongues, the song is one of the several folk ditties written and sung about these evergreen trees. The verses of the song enthuse about the (seemingly) magical properties of evergreen trees. Blooming despite the biting harshness of winter, evergreens gained the honor of signifying eternal life and/or rebirth in pagan and Christian beliefs.

The hymn of the song can be traced back in 1799 where it was first published. Without any text then, the music bears influences from a couple of folksongs from the region.

The words are believed to be a later addition and although the writer is disputed – lyrics are credited to either poet August Zarnack or loosely based on an ancient poem from Westphalia.

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein, auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat schon zur Winterzeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!

The final verses were later added in 1824 by Leipzig composer and organist Ernst Anschütz. Around this time, the Christmas tree is already a popular Christmas item among many German households. The song and the Christmas tree tradition gained high regard when, then Prince Albert, presented his lovely young bride, Queen Victoria, a Christmas tree on December of 1841.

Although the origin and author of the English translation is unknown, the song became a holiday favorite, and due to its unfussy musical arrangement has become the subject of many translations, covers and parodies. Alternative rock musicians They Might Be Giants have also done a cover of the song and popular TV show Glee had its own take on the song.

The carol’s melody has also been used as a contrafactum in many other arrangements. The most popular of which is Jack Jones, “My Gift of Love” and the state song “Michigan, My Michigan”.

Owing to the magnificence of the Christmas tree and its melody, “O Tannenbaum” is one of the more recognizable carols that can easily tug at sentimental strings.