Christmas trees around the world
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The Christmas tree has a rich history, from evergreen trees to symbolise eternal life in Ancient Egypt to tree worship by pagan Europeans. The modern version has its origins in Germany, where the song “O Tannenbaum” is still a festive favourite.
Today the traditional tree with lights and decorations appears in cities including Washington, Moscow and Beirut. Alternatives range from recycled rubbish in Mexico City to old window frames in Rakvere, Estonia.
Whatever the shape or size, the message is the same: Merry Christmas.
Christmas trees frame the Monte Carlo Casino as part of seasonal decorations in Monaco.
A Christmas tree stands in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (2nd R) in Tokyo's Shinjuku business district.
A couple hugs while standing near a Christmas tree made from plastic bins and hampers outside the Museum of History in Monterrey, Mexico.
Supertree structures stand in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
People skate past a Christmas tree on an ice rink at Somerset House in London.
Holiday lights shine on the 83rd Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York.
Rio's Christmas tree is pictured at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
A 78-metre-high Christmas tree is seen in Juan Pablo II Square in Managua, Nicaragua.
A Christmas tree is seen between ancient ruins in downtown Rome, Italy.
A Christmas tree designed by Lebanese designer Elie Saab is seen in front of al Amin mosque in Beirut, Lebanon.
A Christmas tree is seen in Byblos, north of Beirut, Lebanon.
Christmas holiday lights hang from trees in the ancient quarter of Bab-Sharqi in Damascus, Syria.
Cars drive on a street illuminated with Christmas lights in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Young women walk past a Christmas tree in a square in central Moscow, Russia.
A Christmas tree made of 121 old wooden-framed, coloured windows, built by local carpentry students, is seen in Rakvere, Estonia.
A Christmas tree stands near Saint Paul cathedral in the business area of Plateau in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
A Christmas tree stands on a roundabout in the Victoria Island district of Lagos, Nigeria.
A Christmas tree is seen in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree stands after the lighting ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington. The 74-foot Lutz spruce tree comes from Alaska’s Chugach National Forest.
A Christmas tree is seen in Syntagma Square in front of the parliament building in Athens, Greece.
A Christmas decoration stands in front of the Cathedral in Lima, Peru.
A Christmas tree stands in Simon Bolivar Park in Bogota, Colombia. Colombians light candles on December 7 to mark the start of Christmas festivities.
A Christmas tree is illuminated as the traditional Christmas market opens in the Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic.
