Perhaps you aren’t aware of this however, the tradition of Christmas trees didn’t start with America, England or even Germany. Actually, America was among the first continents to latch in the practice of decorating Christmas trees. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees goes back to long prior to the birth of Christ even prior to the Egyptian civilisations.
A lot of anthropologists and historians believe that the story of the Christmas tree dates back to the post-primeval period, when the agricultural society was developing around the world. Christmas was not a thing. It was, simply within one religion or the other it was a pagan holiday that celebrated the solstice of winter. Winter solstice is one of the longest days of the year, which typically falls on the 22nd or 23rd December. The evergreen branches were brought in to guard residents from bad spirits which could lead to the onset of illness and starvation.
The ancient people also scattered evergreen branches on the floors, on doors and even around windows. The tradition of hanging a garland made of evergreen originates from the custom of hanging evergreens on the mantelpiece, to stop ghosts, witches and other spirits from making their way across the chimney, and eventually into the home.
The evergreens also served for preventing illnesses. Aromas like balsam, pine and juniper continue to be used by aromatherapists today to combat illnesses and depression in winter.
The old Egyptians are believed to have played an important role in the development of Christmas trees. There were certainly no evergreen forests in early Egypt but at the time of the winter solstice period they would decorate their homes with palm bushes to guard themselves against evil and to celebrate the returning of the Sun God Ra.
European and Mediterranean civilizations also have their own moments in the lengthy story that forms part of the long history of christmas trees. At the time of the solstice, also called Saturnalia the Romans set up their homes in the form of evergreen trees. The purpose was to honor the God Saturn who’s domain was agriculture. Further to the north, Celtic Druids grew evergreens in the darkest time of the year, to signify the eternal existence. They were not ornamented like we do today. They weren’t much different from the popular Charlie brown Christmas tree. This is due to the fact that the role of these evergreen trees were more defensive than festive.
The 12th century was when the indoor trees began to be brought in. There is no reason to know why, however initially Christmas trees were hanging over the ceilings during the Christmas season. It was a common practice throughout Central Europe. The tree that was upside down was regarded to symbolize Christianity and also a pagan symbol. In the time of this, Christianity was not widely accepted and the tree might be a reference to pagan as well as Christian practices.
There is a widespread belief that the origins of the christmas tree we see it today started in Germany around the 16th century. Many people are unaware that the tree wasn’t transported inside, and in actual fact the first Christmas tree was a structure made from wood. The German inside pyramids were decorated with candles and boughs. A lot of the time, pickles jars were placed upon the stairs. The pyramid-shaped shape is not an exact resemblance to an ancient Egypt instead it was believed to symbolize the three facets in the Holy Trinity that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The person who was credited with bringing the lighting of candles on a real evergreen tree was Martin Luther – a German reformer from the Protestant church who lived through the middle of the 1600s. According to legend, he was prompted to make the change due to the view of stars of the night sky glinting through the branches of an evergreen when going for a walk.
The next significant advancement that occurred in the history of Christmas tree was tinsel. It was first invented in Germany about 1610. The tinsel of the time was made from real silver, and it was easily tarnished because of the smoke generated by the candles for Christmas. Tinsel was made of silver from the beginning of the 20th century until around mid-20th century, when it was replaced with aluminum.
The story of Christmas trees wasn’t widely known in America prior to 1840. The trees were often used as a curiosity in travel sideshows. The Christmas tree-decorating ritual was considered to be sacrilegious during the majority in the 17th and 18th century. The practice was viewed as an insult to the sober celebration of Christ’s birth Christ. Actually, in 1659 those who hung ornaments. This was the case until nineteenth century, when the custom began to be accepted as a regular practice thanks to German and Irish immigrants from America. United States. This practice also became more popular by the time the Queen Victoria chose to create the right-side-up ceiling-to-ceiling Christmas tree a part of her décor in 1846.
There was a difference in European practices as well as American customs was the fact that Europeans were more likely to decorate their tree with cookies, food and candy (and some even pickedles!) while Americans were more a fan of extravagant decorations. Additionally, European tree decorations tend to be smaller (three up to 4 feet tall) and Americans preferred taller trees. Americans prefer their Christmas trees to be atop the sky. The two cultures nevertheless enjoyed decorating their Christmas trees by adorning them with popcorns as well as electric lighting.
In the 1950s, America witnessed the emergence to the very first artificial eco friendly christmas tree. The celebration of this event was centered around Charles M. Schulz famous tale of his Charlie christmas tree in brown. In the fable Charlie Brown is told by Linus, Lucy and Shroeder to find the most flashiest and largest aluminum tree that they can use as the centerpiece in their Christmas production. But instead, Brown is in deep love with the ugliest tree and discovers what Christmas really means. There is a reproduction that is similar to this kind of tree that is known as”the “pathetic charlie brown christmas tree” on the internet. In keeping with the comic, this tree has just one single red Christmas ball ornament on just one tree limb.
Arguments over which is more superior the fake Christmas tree or a real Christmas tree continues to rage on in the present. One of the most significant developments in the development of the Christmas tree is the reemergence of the upside-down christmas tree that is not favored by the Catholic church in the same way it was back in the sixteenth century. If this pattern continues to repeat itself, the next thing we’ll be seeing on xmas trees will be the old wooden pyramids used as artificial trees during the pagan period.