Legal Question in Administrative Law in Missouri
religious symbols
Is the Christmas tree considered a religious symbol when displayed in schools and is it legal to display the Christmas tree in schools?
Asked on 1/20/00, 8:52 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt
Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC
Re: religious symbols
I know of no religion that worships trees. The "christmas tree" is an secular symbol of christmas. It does not symbolize anything related to a deity that I know of. Therefore it would not be considered to be a religious symbol since it does not reflect on any religious beliefs.
However, decorating a christmas tree with lots of religious symbols (angels, crosses, etc.) could be considered to run afoul of the law.
Answered on 1/24/00, 3:04 pm