The Christmas tree is now an integral part of Christmas and it is almost impossible to imagine the celebration without it. But where does this tradition come from?
In 1597, a decorated Christmas tree is said to have stood in a guild in Bremen during the Advent season. It was one of the first Christmas trees to be historically documented. It is also suspected that the Christmas tree may have come from Alsace and surrounding areas.
The story of the Christmas tree goes way back when people started decorating it. It originated from a pagan tradition of hanging fir branches or other evergreens in front of the front door during the solstice. Evergreens, including fir, represented fertility and vitality. During the winter solstice, fir branches should keep evil spirits away.
After the ornamental tree became widespread in guilds, it began to be seen in people’s homes over time. In the 17th century, most wealthy citizens and high officials had an ornate tree in their living room. This remained the case in the 18th century because conifers were scarce and expensive. They began to decorate the tree with candles. There is also a Christmas tree in Goethe’s 1774 book “The Sorrows of Young Werther”.
Christmas tree spreading
In the 19th century, the Christmas tree began to spread throughout Europe and beyond. A Harvard professor of German descent brought the tradition to North America by installing a Christmas tree in his living room in 1832.
In the mid-19th century, hand-blown glass beads were made to decorate the tree. In America, the Christmas tree was first lit simultaneously with electric light. But tree ornaments were still expensive and reserved for the upper class. Citizens used fruit or nuts or homemade cookies. This changed during industrialization when Christmas decorations were mass-produced and suddenly available to everyone.
The church has long resisted “un-Christian” traditions. Christmas trees have only been allowed to be placed in churches since the mid-20th century. Pope II in 1982. John Paul brought the Christmas tree to the Vatican for the first time.
How do I decorate my Christmas tree?
And every year it’s the same question: Should we take old jewelry from the basement or should we buy new ones? We suggest a mix. If you look at stores, it is assumed that we consumers always have a basic stock of ornaments, stars and candles that we like to see on the tree. Accordingly, the weight on the shelves is in the complementary elements.
Returning to the classics this Christmas
The tree is decorated in red, green and gold. Colors that create a mystical atmosphere in the living room. Red and gold represent warmth and harmony. And it’s hard to get enough of that during the festive season. However, caution is advised with green, as ornaments in this shade may not stand out too much from the Christmas tree. But when combined correctly, they make a smart accent.
In stores you can often find unusual pieces of jewelry. But hanging carrots or lobsters on a tree is probably better suited to playful minds who dream of something completely different.
It is strictly not recommended to attach too much jewelry to the tree. Overhanging trees quickly look restless and swallow the candlelight. And if you especially like the atmosphere, it’s a good idea to wrap the fairy lights inward around the trunk rather than hanging them from the ends of the branches. This creates a soft, festive light.