This week’s installment of snapshot Monday is all about The Holiday Tree. With the holidays comes decorations and the most popular regardless of religion or culture is the holiday tree. My favorite part of the holidays is decorating the tree.
The Holiday Tree
I’ve traveled all around the world and have been to many countries during the holiday season. But one thing that we all have in common regardless of where you’re from is The Holiday Tree.
Long before Christianity, evergreens had a special meaning for people in the winter. Ancient people hung wreaths made of pine, fir, and spruce over their doors and windows much like we do today. Many believing that doing so would keep evil spirits at bay.
The holiday tree tradition was started in Germany in the 16th century when earnest Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some believe that in the 16th century, Protestant reformer Martin Luther, first added lighted candles to his tree, inspired by the radiance of stars twinkling in the midst of evergreens while walking home one evening.
The first record decorated Christmas tree in the Americas was displayed in the 1830s by German settlers in Pennsylvania.
As late as the 1840s Christmas trees were seen as pagan symbols and not accepted by most Americans.
Christmas ornaments began arriving from Germany in the 1890s and Christmas tree popularity was on the rise around the U.S.. Interestingly, Europeans preferred small trees about four feet in height, while Americans liked their Christmas trees to reach from floor to ceiling.
Americans started decorating their trees mainly with homemade ornaments in the early 20th century, while the German-American sect continued to use apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies. Dyed popcorn interwoven with berries and nuts was added and thus started garland.
With the invention of electricity Christmas lights were born, making it possible for Christmas trees to glow for days. With this, having a Christmas tree in the home became an American tradition.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s addition of snapshot Monday ~ The Holiday Tree and it has put you into the holiday spirit! Do you have a favorite holiday decorating tradition? What do you do for the holiday season? Share your experiences with us!
