History of the Christmas trees
Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees,
which remained green all year round, had a special significance for people in
winter. Discover the history of the Christmas tree, from the first Winter
Solstice celebrations to Queen Victoria to the annual lighting of the
Rockefeller Center Tree.🎄
Long before Christianity, plants and trees, which remained
green all year round, had a special significance for people in winter. Just as
people today decorate their homes with pine, spruce and fir trees during the
festive season, the ancient peoples hung evergreen branches on their doors and
windows. In many countries, it was believed that evergreens would keep away
witches, ghosts, evil spirits and disease.
Did you know? Christmas trees grow in all 50 states,
including Hawaii and Alaska.
including Hawaii and Alaska.
In the northern hemisphere, the shortest day and the longest
night of the year fall on the 21st or 22nd of December and is referred to as
the winter solstice. Many ancient people believed that the sun was a god, and
that winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. They
celebrated the solstice because it meant that the sun god would finally get
well. Evergreen branches reminded them of all the green plants that would grow
again when the sun god was strong and the summer would return.
night of the year fall on the 21st or 22nd of December and is referred to as
the winter solstice. Many ancient people believed that the sun was a god, and
that winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. They
celebrated the solstice because it meant that the sun god would finally get
well. Evergreen branches reminded them of all the green plants that would grow
again when the sun god was strong and the summer would return.
The ancient Egyptians worshiped a god named Ra, who had the
head of a hawk and carried the sun as a flaming disc in his crown. At the
solstice, when Ra began to recover from the disease, the Egyptians filled their
homes with green palms that symbolized the triumph of life over death.
head of a hawk and carried the sun as a flaming disc in his crown. At the
solstice, when Ra began to recover from the disease, the Egyptians filled their
homes with green palms that symbolized the triumph of life over death.
The early Romans marked the solstice with a feast called
Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Romans knew that the
solstice meant that farms and orchards would soon be green and fertile. To mark
the occasion, they decorated their houses and temples with evergreen branches.
In northern Europe, the mysterious Druids, priests of the ancient Celts,
adorned their temples with evergreen branches as a symbol of eternal life. The
wild Vikings in Scandinavia considered evergreens the special plant of the sun
god Balder.
Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Romans knew that the
solstice meant that farms and orchards would soon be green and fertile. To mark
the occasion, they decorated their houses and temples with evergreen branches.
In northern Europe, the mysterious Druids, priests of the ancient Celts,
adorned their temples with evergreen branches as a symbol of eternal life. The
wild Vikings in Scandinavia considered evergreens the special plant of the sun
god Balder.
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Germany is credited with the beginning of the Christmas tree.
tradition, as we know it today in the 16th century, when devout Christians
brought decorated trees to their homes. Some built wooden Christmas pyramids
and decorated them with evergreens and candles when the wood was scarce. It is
widely believed that Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant reformer, added
a lighted candle to a tree for the first time. As he walked to his house one
winter evening and wrote a sermon, he was impressed by the brilliance of the
stars sparkling amid evergreen. To recapture the scene for his family, he set
up a tree in the main room and wired his branches with burning candles.
tradition, as we know it today in the 16th century, when devout Christians
brought decorated trees to their homes. Some built wooden Christmas pyramids
and decorated them with evergreens and candles when the wood was scarce. It is
widely believed that Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant reformer, added
a lighted candle to a tree for the first time. As he walked to his house one
winter evening and wrote a sermon, he was impressed by the brilliance of the
stars sparkling amid evergreen. To recapture the scene for his family, he set
up a tree in the main room and wired his branches with burning candles.
Most nineteenth-century Americans found Christmas trees
strange. The first record of an exhibited specimen was made in the 1830s by the
German settlers in Pennsylvania, although trees in many German homes had
tradition much earlier. The German settlements in Pennsylvania already had 1747
common trees. As early as the 1840s, Christmas trees were considered pagan
symbols and were not accepted by most Americans.
strange. The first record of an exhibited specimen was made in the 1830s by the
German settlers in Pennsylvania, although trees in many German homes had
tradition much earlier. The German settlements in Pennsylvania already had 1747
common trees. As early as the 1840s, Christmas trees were considered pagan
symbols and were not accepted by most Americans.
It is not surprising that the tree, like many other festive
Christmas customs, was adopted so late in America. For the puritans of New
England, Christmas was sacred. The second governor of the pilgrims, William
Bradford, wrote that he had made a great effort to ban "pagan ridicule"
about compliance with the rules in order to punish any frivolity. The
influential Oliver Cromwell preached a crime against "the pagan
traditions" of Christmas carols, decorated trees and any joyous expression
that "this holy event" desecrates a worship service; People were
punished for hanging decorations. This strict celebration lasted until the 19th
century, when the influx of German and Irish immigrants undermined the heritage
of the Pu In 1846, the popular Royals Queen Victoria and her German Prince
Albert were sketched in the Illustrated London News, which stood around a
Christmas tree with their children. Unlike the previous royal family, Victoria
was very popular among her subjects, and what was done at court became
instantly fashionable - not just in the UK, but also in the fashion-conscious
East Coast American Society. The Christmas tree had arrived.
Christmas customs, was adopted so late in America. For the puritans of New
England, Christmas was sacred. The second governor of the pilgrims, William
Bradford, wrote that he had made a great effort to ban "pagan ridicule"
about compliance with the rules in order to punish any frivolity. The
influential Oliver Cromwell preached a crime against "the pagan
traditions" of Christmas carols, decorated trees and any joyous expression
that "this holy event" desecrates a worship service; People were
punished for hanging decorations. This strict celebration lasted until the 19th
century, when the influx of German and Irish immigrants undermined the heritage
of the Pu In 1846, the popular Royals Queen Victoria and her German Prince
Albert were sketched in the Illustrated London News, which stood around a
Christmas tree with their children. Unlike the previous royal family, Victoria
was very popular among her subjects, and what was done at court became
instantly fashionable - not just in the UK, but also in the fashion-conscious
East Coast American Society. The Christmas tree had arrived.
In the 1890s, Christmas decorations came from Germany, and
the popularity of Christmas trees increased in the United States. It was found
that the Europeans used small trees about two meters high, while the Americans
liked it when their Christmas trees reached from floor to ceiling.
the popularity of Christmas trees increased in the United States. It was found
that the Europeans used small trees about two meters high, while the Americans
liked it when their Christmas trees reached from floor to ceiling.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Americans decorated
their trees mainly with home-made ornaments, while the German-American sect
continued to use apples, nuts and marzipan cookies. Popcorn was added after
being dyed in bright colors and decorated with berries and nuts. The
electricity produced Christmas lights that allowed the Christmas trees to glow
for days. As a result, Christmas trees appeared on the squares all over the
country, and it became an American tradition to have a Christmas tree at home.
their trees mainly with home-made ornaments, while the German-American sect
continued to use apples, nuts and marzipan cookies. Popcorn was added after
being dyed in bright colors and decorated with berries and nuts. The
electricity produced Christmas lights that allowed the Christmas trees to glow
for days. As a result, Christmas trees appeared on the squares all over the
country, and it became an American tradition to have a Christmas tree at home.
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
The Rockefeller Center Tree is located at Rockefeller
Center, west of Fifth Avenue, from 47th to 51st Streets in New York City.
Center, west of Fifth Avenue, from 47th to 51st Streets in New York City.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree dates back to the
Depression. The tallest tree exhibited at the Rockefeller Center came in 1948
and was a spruce that was 100 feet high and came from Killingworth,
Connecticut.
Depression. The tallest tree exhibited at the Rockefeller Center came in 1948
and was a spruce that was 100 feet high and came from Killingworth,
Connecticut.
The first tree in the Rockefeller Center was erected in
1931. It was a small, unadorned tree set up by construction workers in the
middle of the construction site. Two years later another tree was set up, this
time with lights. These days, the huge Rockefeller Center tree is laden with
over 25,000 Christmas lights.ritans.
1931. It was a small, unadorned tree set up by construction workers in the
middle of the construction site. Two years later another tree was set up, this
time with lights. These days, the huge Rockefeller Center tree is laden with
over 25,000 Christmas lights.ritans.
Christmas trees around the world
Canada
German settlers emigrated from the US to Canada in the 18th
century. They brought many things that we appreciate today at Christmas: Advent
calendars, gingerbread houses, biscuits and Christmas trees. When Prince
Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria, set up a Christmas tree at
Windsor Castle in 1848, the Christmas tree became a tradition throughout
England, the United States and Canada.
century. They brought many things that we appreciate today at Christmas: Advent
calendars, gingerbread houses, biscuits and Christmas trees. When Prince
Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria, set up a Christmas tree at
Windsor Castle in 1848, the Christmas tree became a tradition throughout
England, the United States and Canada.
Mexico
In most Mexican homes, the most important holiday ornaments
are el Nacimiento (nativity scene). However, a decorated Christmas tree can be
integrated into the Nacimiento or placed elsewhere in the house. Since the
purchase of a natural pine is a luxury item for most Mexican families, the
typical arbolito (sapling) is often an artificial branch, a bare branch
originating from a common tree (Bursera microphylla), or a shrub who was
collected in the country.
are el Nacimiento (nativity scene). However, a decorated Christmas tree can be
integrated into the Nacimiento or placed elsewhere in the house. Since the
purchase of a natural pine is a luxury item for most Mexican families, the
typical arbolito (sapling) is often an artificial branch, a bare branch
originating from a common tree (Bursera microphylla), or a shrub who was
collected in the country.
Great Britain
The spruce is the traditional type that is used in the UK
for the decoration of houses. The spruce was a native species in the British
Isles before the last ice age and was reintroduced here before the 16th
century.
for the decoration of houses. The spruce was a native species in the British
Isles before the last ice age and was reintroduced here before the 16th
century.
Greenland
Christmas trees are imported because there are no trees so
far north. They are decorated with candles and bright ornaments.
far north. They are decorated with candles and bright ornaments.
Guatemala
The Christmas tree has joined the "Nacimiento"
(nativity scene) as a popular jewel because of the large German population in
Guatemala. On Christmas morning, gifts for the children are left under the
tree. Parents and adults do not exchange presents until New Year's Day.
(nativity scene) as a popular jewel because of the large German population in
Guatemala. On Christmas morning, gifts for the children are left under the
tree. Parents and adults do not exchange presents until New Year's Day.
Brazil
Although Christmas falls in Brazil in the summer, pines are
sometimes adorned with small pieces of cotton that represent falling snow.
sometimes adorned with small pieces of cotton that represent falling snow.
Ireland
Christmas trees are bought at any time in December and decorated
with colorful lights, tinsel and balls. Some people prefer the angel on the
tree, others the star. The house is decorated with garlands, candles, holly and
ivy. Wreaths and mistletoe hang on the door.
with colorful lights, tinsel and balls. Some people prefer the angel on the
tree, others the star. The house is decorated with garlands, candles, holly and
ivy. Wreaths and mistletoe hang on the door.
Sweden
Most people buy Christmas trees long before Christmas Eve,
but it is not common to pick and decorate the tree just days before. Evergreen
trees are adorned with stars, sunbeams and snowflakes of straw. Other
decorations include colorful wooden animals and straw centerpieces.
but it is not common to pick and decorate the tree just days before. Evergreen
trees are adorned with stars, sunbeams and snowflakes of straw. Other
decorations include colorful wooden animals and straw centerpieces.
Norway
Today, Norwegians often take a trip to the forest to pick a
Christmas tree, a trip that their grandfathers may not have made. The Christmas
tree was first introduced to Norway from Germany in the second half of the 19th
century. the districts came later. When Christmas Eve arrives, parents usually
decorate the tree behind the locked doors of the living room while the children
are excitedly waiting outside. This is followed by a Norwegian ritual known as
"circling the Christmas tree". Everyone grabs their hands to form a
ring around the tree and then goes around singing and singing. Subsequently,
gifts are distributed.
Christmas tree, a trip that their grandfathers may not have made. The Christmas
tree was first introduced to Norway from Germany in the second half of the 19th
century. the districts came later. When Christmas Eve arrives, parents usually
decorate the tree behind the locked doors of the living room while the children
are excitedly waiting outside. This is followed by a Norwegian ritual known as
"circling the Christmas tree". Everyone grabs their hands to form a
ring around the tree and then goes around singing and singing. Subsequently,
gifts are distributed.
Ukraine
Christmas, which is celebrated by Catholics on December 25
and by Orthodox Christians on January 7, is the most popular holiday in
Ukraine. During Christmas, which also includes New Year's Day, people decorate
fir trees and organize parties.
and by Orthodox Christians on January 7, is the most popular holiday in
Ukraine. During Christmas, which also includes New Year's Day, people decorate
fir trees and organize parties.
Spain
A popular Christmas custom is Catalonia, a game of chance. A
tree trunk is filled with treats and children hit the trunk to knock out the
hazelnuts, almonds, taffy and other goodies.
tree trunk is filled with treats and children hit the trunk to knock out the
hazelnuts, almonds, taffy and other goodies.
Italy
In Italy, the presepio (crib or crib) in miniature
represents the Holy Family in the stable and is the center of Christmas for
families. Guests kneel in front of it and musicians sing in front of it. The
Presepio figures are usually hand carved and very detailed in features and
dress. The scene is often depicted in the form of a triangle. It forms the base
of a pyramid-like structure called Ceppo. This is a wooden frame that is
arranged to create a pyramid several feet high. This frame carries several
levels of thin shelves. It is completely decorated with colored paper, gilded pine
cones and miniature pennants. Tiny candles are attached to the tapered sides.
At the apex of the triangular sides hangs a star or a small doll. On the
shelves above the nativity scene there are little presents with fruits, sweets
and presents. The Ceppo stands in the old tradition of the light tree, which
became the Christmas tree in other countries. Some houses even have a Ceppo for
every child in the family.
represents the Holy Family in the stable and is the center of Christmas for
families. Guests kneel in front of it and musicians sing in front of it. The
Presepio figures are usually hand carved and very detailed in features and
dress. The scene is often depicted in the form of a triangle. It forms the base
of a pyramid-like structure called Ceppo. This is a wooden frame that is
arranged to create a pyramid several feet high. This frame carries several
levels of thin shelves. It is completely decorated with colored paper, gilded pine
cones and miniature pennants. Tiny candles are attached to the tapered sides.
At the apex of the triangular sides hangs a star or a small doll. On the
shelves above the nativity scene there are little presents with fruits, sweets
and presents. The Ceppo stands in the old tradition of the light tree, which
became the Christmas tree in other countries. Some houses even have a Ceppo for
every child in the family.
Germany
Many of the Christmas traditions practiced worldwide today
began in Germany.
began in Germany.
It has long been thought that Martin Luther began the
tradition of bringing a Christmas tree into the home. Legend has it that Martin
Luther went home late one evening through the forest and noticed how
beautifully the stars shone through the trees. He wanted to share the beauty
with his wife, so he felled a fir tree and took it home. Once inside, he placed
small burning candles on the branches and said that this would be a symbol of
the beautiful Christmas sky. Hence the Christmas tree.
tradition of bringing a Christmas tree into the home. Legend has it that Martin
Luther went home late one evening through the forest and noticed how
beautifully the stars shone through the trees. He wanted to share the beauty
with his wife, so he felled a fir tree and took it home. Once inside, he placed
small burning candles on the branches and said that this would be a symbol of
the beautiful Christmas sky. Hence the Christmas tree.
Another legend says that at the beginning of the 16th
century people in Germany combined two customs that were practiced in different
countries of the world. The Tree of Paradise (an apple-studded fir tree) was
the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. The Christmas light, a small
pyramid-like frame usually decorated with glass balls, tinsel and a candle, was
a symbol of the birth of Christ as the light of Christ World. Change the apples
of the tree into baubles and biscuits. and by combining this new tree with the
light placed on it, the Germans created the tree that many of us now know.
century people in Germany combined two customs that were practiced in different
countries of the world. The Tree of Paradise (an apple-studded fir tree) was
the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. The Christmas light, a small
pyramid-like frame usually decorated with glass balls, tinsel and a candle, was
a symbol of the birth of Christ as the light of Christ World. Change the apples
of the tree into baubles and biscuits. and by combining this new tree with the
light placed on it, the Germans created the tree that many of us now know.
Today the Christmas tree is traditionally decorated secretly
with lights, tinsel and ornaments by the mother and lit on Christmas Eve with
biscuits, nuts and gifts under the branches.
with lights, tinsel and ornaments by the mother and lit on Christmas Eve with
biscuits, nuts and gifts under the branches.
South Africa
Christmas is a summer vacation in South Africa. Although
Christmas trees are not common, windows are often draped with sparkling cotton
wool and tinsel.
Christmas trees are not common, windows are often draped with sparkling cotton
wool and tinsel.
Saudi Arabia
Christian Americans, Europeans, Indians, Filipinos and
others who live here have to celebrate Christmas privately in their homes.
Christmas lights are usually not tolerated. Most families inconspicuously raise
their Christmas trees.
others who live here have to celebrate Christmas privately in their homes.
Christmas lights are usually not tolerated. Most families inconspicuously raise
their Christmas trees.
Philippines
Fresh pine trees are too expensive for many Filipinos, so
handmade trees in different colors and sizes are often used. In December, star
lanterns appear everywhere. They are made of bamboo sticks coated with colored
rice paper or cellophane and usually have a tassel at each point. In each
window is usually one that represents the Star of Bethlehem.
handmade trees in different colors and sizes are often used. In December, star
lanterns appear everywhere. They are made of bamboo sticks coated with colored
rice paper or cellophane and usually have a tassel at each point. In each
window is usually one that represents the Star of Bethlehem.
China
Of the small percentage of Chinese celebrating Christmas,
most build artificial trees, decorated with sequins and paper chains, flowers
and lanterns. Christmas trees are called "trees of light".
most build artificial trees, decorated with sequins and paper chains, flowers
and lanterns. Christmas trees are called "trees of light".
Japan
For most Japanese celebrating Christmas, this is a purely
secular holiday dedicated to the love of their children. Christmas trees are
adorned with small toys, dolls, paper ornaments, fans and lanterns made of gold
paper and wind chimes. Miniature candles are also placed between the branches.
One of the most popular ornaments is the origami swan. Japanese children have
exchanged thousands of folded paper "peace birds" with young people
around the world to assure that the war must not happen again.
secular holiday dedicated to the love of their children. Christmas trees are
adorned with small toys, dolls, paper ornaments, fans and lanterns made of gold
paper and wind chimes. Miniature candles are also placed between the branches.
One of the most popular ornaments is the origami swan. Japanese children have
exchanged thousands of folded paper "peace birds" with young people
around the world to assure that the war must not happen again.
Christmas Trivia
Christmas trees have been sold in the US since about 1850.
In 1979, the National Christmas Tree, with the exception of
the upper ornament, was not lit. This happened in honor of the American
hostages in Iran.
the upper ornament, was not lit. This happened in honor of the American
hostages in Iran.
Between 1887 and 1933, a fishing schooner named Christmas
Ship landed on Clark Street Bridge and sold spruces from Michigan to Chicago.
Ship landed on Clark Street Bridge and sold spruces from Michigan to Chicago.
It is believed that the tallest living Christmas tree is the
91 year old Douglas fir in Woodinville, Washington.
91 year old Douglas fir in Woodinville, Washington.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began in
1933. Franklin Pierce, the 14th President, brought the Christmas tree tradition
to the White House.
1933. Franklin Pierce, the 14th President, brought the Christmas tree tradition
to the White House.
In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge launched the National
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which now takes place every year on the White
House lawn.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which now takes place every year on the White
House lawn.
Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has been
giving the president and the first family a Christmas tree.
giving the president and the first family a Christmas tree.
Most Christmas trees are felled weeks before being sold in a
retail store.
retail store.
In 1912, the first communal Christmas tree was erected in
New York City in the United States.
New York City in the United States.
It usually takes 6-8 years for the Christmas trees to grow.
Christmas trees grow in all 50 states, including Hawaii and
Alaska.
Alaska.
100,000 people are employed in the Christmas tree branch.
98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms.
More than 1,000,000 acres of land were planted with
Christmas trees.
Christmas trees.
Each year 77 million Christmas trees are planted.
On average, more than 2,000 Christmas trees per acre are
planted.
planted.
You should never burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace.
It can contribute to creosote construction.
It can contribute to creosote construction.
Other tree species such as cherries and hawthorn have been
used as Christmas trees in the past.
used as Christmas trees in the past.
The assistants of Thomas Edison had the idea to develop
electric light for Christmas trees.
electric light for Christmas trees.
In 1963, the National Christmas Tree was not lit until 22
December for a 30-day mourning period following the assassination of President
Kennedy.
December for a 30-day mourning period following the assassination of President
Kennedy.
Teddy Roosevelt has banished the tree from the White House
for environmental reasons.
for environmental reasons.
In the first week, a tree consumes up to a quarter of water
a day at home.
a day at home.
Tinsel was once banned by the government. Tinsel once
contained lead, now it is made of plastic.
contained lead, now it is made of plastic.
In 1984, the National Christmas Tree was lit with
temperatures in the 1970s on December 13, making it one of the warmest tree
lights in history.
temperatures in the 1970s on December 13, making it one of the warmest tree
lights in history.
Every year 34 to 36 million Christmas trees are produced and
95 percent are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms.
95 percent are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms.
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