In pagan Rome, the festival of Saturnalia was celebrated right around the time of the winter solstice. On the last day of the festivities, gifts, tied up with holly were exchanged. The red berries on the leaves symbolized the return of light.

In many parts of Europe during the middle ages, Paradise Plays were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who were illiterate. The paradise tree in the play was normally a green pine tree, adorned with red apples, and later, red roses.