The History of the Christmas Tree
There are many stories about how the Christmas tree came about. There were also different beliefs associated with the trees and what they symbolized. This depended on where the origination was. Many of the different beliefs came from German, Romans, Scandinavians, and more.
The Romans didn’t necessarily have trees for the holiday but they used the green tree branches. These branches were exchanged as a ritualistic fashion to ensure good luck coming to them in the New Year. This occurred every year on January 1.
The Evergreen trees were once worshiped by the Scandinavians. The belief was that there were godlike spirits inhabiting the trees. People would bring the trees inside of their homes so the spirits would be pleased and give them blessing. The Scandinavians began using the trees as a Christian festivity when the Gospel of Christ was introduced to them. They did not use an artificial Christmas tree at this time.
German was the first recorded country to begin decorating Christmas trees in front of an old Cathedral. They would decorate the trees with fruits and nuts. The Germans would bring home trees and decorate them with food. They also decided it looked nice to light up the tree with candles to make it shine. This idea was brought over to the new world by the Germans. Soon enough, America began using trees and also artificial Christmas trees.
Today, people use any type of tree to decorate for the holiday all around the world. Many people don’t have a belief about the tree itself if it brings good spirits into the home or any other reason. The Germans had it right when they decorated the trees for the children. Many people who do not have children do not even buy trees for the holiday. Artificial Christmas tree are the best solution because you can use the same tree every year. However, if you have a belief about the spirits or good luck to bring into the new year you might want a real tree or maybe your luck will not be so real either.
It is also uncommon for people to decorate their trees with fruits, nuts, and other foods. Today, people use decorative ornaments. Children often like to make their own decorations for the Christmas tree. The most commonly used food on a tree by children is the use of popcorn to make strands for garlands. Fire is not used today on a tree also because of the fire dangers. People put strands of electrical lights specifically designed for the trees.
The Christmas tree has a lot of significance to different countries. Depending on where your ancestors are from you may have different beliefs. These might be from ensuring good luck from spirits blessing you or just wanting to please the children. Today, most people put a tree up for the latter. The most widely pronounced symbol of the holidays is the Christmas tree. Not everyone puts a tree up during the holiday nor does everyone believe in Christmas.
Article source: http://www.christmaswoods.com/blog/the-history-of-the-christmas-tree/