Discover the History Behind the Christmas Tree
History Behind the Christmas Tree, plants and trees that remain green throughout the year had special significance for humans in the winter, even before Christianity. Ancient people decorated evergreen boughs from their doorways and windows, just like current homeowners do with their pine, spruce, as well as fir trees during the holiday season. In many cultures, evergreens were thought to ward off witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and disease. The shortest day as well as longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere take place on December 21 or December 22 during the winter solstice. Many people in the past thought that the sun was a god and that winter happened yearly because the sun god had grown ill and frail. They rejoiced at the solstice because it signified the beginning of the sun god’s recovery. They were reminded of all the green plants reappearing when the sun god was powerful and summer returned by the evergreen boughs.
Who Brought the Christmas Tree to America?
Christmas trees were something new to most 19th-century Americans. Although decorating with trees had long been a tradition in many German households, it wasn’t until the German settlers in Pennsylvania in the 1830s that the practice became officially recorded. Communities had trees as early as 1747 in the Pennsylvania German colonies. Christmas trees, however, were not widely embraced in America until the 1840s, when they were still viewed as pagan symbols. Unsurprisingly, the Christmas tree was adopted in America so late, like many other joyous Christmas traditions. The New England Puritans regarded Christmas as a holy day. William Bradford, the pilgrims’ second governor, said that he worked hard to stop the “pagan mockery” of the holiday and punished any excess. Any celebration of December 25 (apart from a church service) became illegal in Massachusetts in 1659 when a law was established by the General Court; citizens were penalized for hanging decorations. Oliver Cromwell, a prominent figure, preached against “the heathen traditions” of Christmas carols, adorned trees, and any cheerful display that profaned “that sacred event.”
Christmas Trees Around the World
Here are some of the Christmas Trees around the World:
Christmas Trees in Canada: In the 1700s, German settlers moved from the United States to Canada. They brought many of the beloved Christmas traditions we still value today—Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, and sweets.
Christmas Trees in Mexico: El Nacimiento (Nativity scene) is the main holiday decoration in most Mexican houses. However, A festive Christmas tree may be incorporated within the Nacimiento or placed elsewhere in the house.
Christmas Trees in the Philippines: Filipinos frequently employ homemade trees in various colors and sizes because purchasing fresh pine trees is too expensive for many of them. All over the place in December are star lanterns or parol. They are composed of bamboo sticks wrapped in cellophane or rice paper that is vividly colored. Tassels are frequently attached to each point.
Christmas Trees in Italy: The presepio (manger or crib), the focal point of Christmas for families in Italy, depicts the Holy Family in the stable in miniature. Visitors bow before it as musicians perform.
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