Christmas is a special time of the year. As you decorate your house for the holidays and wrap up to pick the right Christmas tree to place in front of your fireplace, you may wonder whether there is a tree significance and where this unique tradition originated. Before you lift someone over your shoulders to place the perfect tree topper on your family’s X-Mas tree, consider where this decorating ritual originated and how it is currently incorporated into holiday customs.
What Does an X-Mas Tree Symbolise?
These trees have a lot of symbolic value. The trees or branches symbolise life during dark winter nights. The Romans utilised fir trees for their evergreen properties to embellish temples. In brief, evergreen plants such as fir trees have been used to symbolise the tenacity of life and the marvels of agriculture over the darkest months and harshest weather. This has evolved through time into the tree custom.
Which Country Started the Tradition of X-Mas Trees?
In the middle of the 16th century, contemporary trees developed in Germany. Christian celebrations included German Mystery or Wonder Plays in front of churches. These events occurred during Advent and on Christmas Eve. “The Paradise Tree” symbolises the Garden of Eden in these plays. Although the paradise tree was mostly a cutting, it is regarded as one of the principal ancestors. Over time, these trees evolved, and fir trees came to be used throughout Germany and the rest of Northern Europe during the holiday season. Here is also the origin of adorning trees with candles on branches. After the Protestant Reformation, the tree became a popular ritual among the general population. During the 19th century, the practice spread throughout Europe.
Why Do People Decorate X-Mas Trees?
The origin of decking the halls with Christmas ornaments may be traced back to the practice of decorating a tree or “Christmas pyramid” with gingerbread, candles, and other symbols of the Nativity of Jesus.
Putting up Christmas trees has evolved into a tradition shared by many. Presenting and displaying one’s tree or pyramid was a way for Christians to invite others to attend a nativity production based on the birth of Jesus.
Over time, though, residents began keeping their trees indoors for personal use rather than displaying them for the community.
Why Put Lights on an X-Mas Tree?
Lights on a tree recall the earlier symbolism of Jesus being the light shining in the darkness. Stars and planets in the sky became symbolically represented by the lights and decorations on the tree. Many Christians have a tradition of setting up a manger in front of their trees to symbolise the birth of Jesus Christ under the stars.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that trees in the United States and the United Kingdom began to be decorated. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, brought the custom over from Germany, quickly becoming popular. In the past, it was common practice to have buckets of sand or water nearby in case any of the candles on the tree caught fire.
Once electricity was invented in 1882 by Thomas Edison, his business partner Edward Johnson decked his tree with electric lights and became known as the “Father of the Electric Tree.” After that, using electric lights on trees became standard practice, and by 1920, they were widely available in every store.
Colour palettes that range from warm and muted to bright and vibrant have been popular for Christmas tree decorations. Christmas trees come in various sizes and colours. You can choose to get a real tree or an artificial one. Happy Christmas shopping!
