What is the Difference Between Pine Tree and Christmas Tree

The main difference between pine tree and Christmas tree is that pine tree is an evergreen coniferous tree while Christmas tree is a decorated coniferous tree like pine, fir, and spuce or an artificial tree associated with Christmas.

Christmas tree is an evergreen tree decorated with lights and ornaments at Christmas. We usually use evergreen conifers like pine, fir and spruce as Christmas trees. At present, some families also use artificial trees as Christmas trees. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Pine Tree 
     – Definition, Traditions
2. What is Christmas Tree
     – Definition, Traditions
3. What is the Difference Between Pine Tree and Christmas Tree
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Christmas Tree, Pine Tree

What is a Pine Tree

Pine tree is an evergreen coniferous tree found in most countries of the Northern Hemisphere. Pine belongs to the family Pinaceae of the genus Pinus. They are resinous trees and related to other types of conifers like spruces, fir trees, and cedars. There are over a hundred varieties of pine trees all over the world. Also, different types of pine trees grow in different environments, including cold regions in the North, rain forests as well as hot deserts. They are tall, straight trees that grow fast and are important as a source of wood. We use wood from pine trees to make furniture and buildings. Pine also serves as a source of pulp to create paper.

Furthermore, we can identify pine trees by their characteristic needle-like leaves, grey or reddish-brown bark and egg-shaped, seed-bearing cones that hang down from branches. In addition, some varieties of pines have large woody cones that are long and straight. These cones are their mode of reproduction – they open and release seed/pollen and then fall off.

What is a Christmas Tree

Christmas tree is an evergreen tree decorated with lights and ornaments at Christmas. We usually use evergreen conifers like pine, fir and spruce as Christmas trees. In the recent past, artificial trees have also risen to popularity. Although we commonly associate the tradition of Christmas trees with Christianity, modern use of Christmas trees tends to be secular.

If we look at the history of Christmas trees, the tradition of Christmas trees was developed in medieval Livonia and in early modern Germany. Gradually, it began to be used in other countries. Moreover, traditional Christmas trees decorations involved items like apples, candy, pastries and decorations made of paper. Today, there are a wide variety of modern and traditional ornaments like baubles, garlands, tinsel, and candy canes. We also place a star or an angel at the top of the tree to represent Star of Bethlehem and Angel Gabriel, respectively. We can use Christmas trees indoors and outdoors. In homes, Christmas trees are placed inside while most commercial buildings may have huge trees placed outside. In many homes, Christmas presents are kept around the tree to be opened on Christmas Eve.

Difference Between Pine Tree and Christmas Tree

Definition

Pine tree is an evergreen coniferous tree found in most countries of the Northern Hemisphere while Christmas tree is an evergreen tree decorated with lights and ornaments at Christmas.

Relationship

Pine is a type of tree we use for Christmas trees, but all Christmas trees are not pine trees. We can use evergreen conifers like pine, fir and spruce as well as artificial trees.

Varieties

There are many varieties of pine while you can use any variety of evergreen coniferous tree for Christmas trees.

Conclusion

The main difference between pine tree and Christmas tree is that pine tree is an evergreen coniferous tree while Christmas tree is a decorated coniferous tree like pine, fir, and spruce or an artificial tree associated with Christmas.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Cozy room with Christmas tree and decorations” (CC0) via Pexels
2. “975091” (CC0) via Pixabay