Traditions against evil spirits: Where does the Christmas tree actually come from?

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The Christmas tree is now an integral part of Christmas and it is almost impossible to imagine celebrating without it. So where does this tradition come from?

In 1597, a decorated Christmas tree is said to have stood in a guild in Bremen during Advent. It was one of the first Christmas trees that can be documented historically. It is also believed that the Christmas tree may have originated in Alsace and surrounding areas.

The history of the Christmas tree goes back much further than when people started decorating it. Its origin was a pagan custom in which people hung fir branches or other evergreens outside the front door during the solstice. Evergreen plants, including the fir tree, represented fertility and vitality. Fir branches were thought to keep evil spirits away during the winter solstice.

After the ornamental tree began to be seen more and more frequently in guilds, it also began to appear in people’s homes over time. In the 17th century, most wealthy citizens and high-ranking officials had a decorated tree in their living rooms. It remained this way through the 18th century because conifers were scarce and expensive. They started decorating the tree with candles. A Christmas tree also appears in Goethe’s 1774 book “The Sorrows of Young Werther”.

In the 19th century, the Christmas tree began to spread throughout Europe and beyond. A Harvard professor of German descent brought this tradition to North America by installing a Christmas tree in his living room in 1832.

In the mid-19th century, hand-blown glass balls were made to decorate the tree. It was also the first time in America that the Christmas tree was illuminated with electric lights. However, the tree’s decorations were still expensive and belonged to the upper class. Citizens used fruit or nuts or homemade cookies. This changed during industrialization, when Christmas tree ornaments were mass-produced and suddenly available to everyone.

The church has long struggled against “non-Christian” traditions. Christmas trees have only been allowed to be installed in churches since the mid-20th century. In 1982, Pope John II. John Paul brought the Christmas tree to the Vatican for the first time.

And every year it’s the same question: Should we take out old jewelry from the basement or buy new ones? We recommend the mix. If you look at stores, it is assumed that we, as consumers, have a basic stock of ornaments, stars and candles that we always like to see on the tree. Accordingly, emphasis is placed on complementary elements on the shelves.

The tree is decorated with red, green and gold colors. Colors that create a mystical atmosphere in the living room. Red and gold represent warmth and harmony. And you can’t get enough of it during the holidays. However, it is recommended to be careful with the green tone, because balls of this tone cannot stand out too much from the Christmas tree. But when combined correctly, they create a smart accent.

But you can also often find unusual pieces of jewelry in stores. But hanging a carrot or a lobster on a tree is probably better suited to playful souls who want something completely different.

It is definitely not recommended to have too many decorations on the tree. Overcovered trees quickly look restless and absorb candlelight. And if you’re particularly into atmospherics, it’s a good idea to drape your fairy lights further into the trunk rather than hanging them at the ends of the branches. This creates a soft, festive light.

Source : Blick