Let the flames rise! Christmas tree's fiery origins, pagan roots


By AGENCY
Latvians gather on a square in the centre of Riga for a ceremony that some historians see as the ancient precursor to the Christmas tree tradition. Photo: AFP

Dressed in pagan folk costumes, Latvians gather on a square in the centre of Riga for a ceremony that some historians see as the ancient precursor to the Christmas tree tradition.

But these colourful revellers celebrating the winter solstice have not come to decorate a tree, but to burn one.

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Christmas , Latvia , tradition , pagan , roots , tree , celebration

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