Christmas is the time of happiness, coziness and memorable events, and the most familiar symbol of this celebratory beauty is the christmas tree. Each year on December every family decorates their houses and puts on glittering lights and puts a well-decorated tree in the heart of the celebrations. And yet have you ever thought how this custom began? What made this symbol have such cultural significance in every part of the world? We shall delve into the history and the mystery of this popular tradition.
The Christmas Tree Ancient Origins.
The Christmas tree that we have today traces back to thousands of years. The ancient cultures employed evergreen plants throughout the winter solstice in the home decorations. They had a belief that since these plants remain alive even on coldest season, it was a symbol of hope, strength and renewal.
There were the evergreen branches of winter festivals of Egyptians, Romans and the Germanic tribes. These primitive thoughts are later to develop into the present day tree tradition.
The Story behind the Christmas Tea Cake.
The actual etiology of the Christmas tree ritual dates back to Germany in the 16 th century. Christian families started to adorn the oak or fir trees in their houses. They put tiny candles on the branches as a sign of the “light of Christ.”
This practice later became widespread in Europe. The tradition was inherited when the German families immigrated into America during the 1800s. Initially, it was considered strange, yet in several decades it gained such a powerful grip that nowadays it is a vital element of the culture of western holidays.
Meaning and Symbolism Behind the Tree.
In the modern days even the christmas tree is not only a decoration. The meaning of every element is profound:
- Though evergreen branches: life and hope.
- Lights: happiness, optimism and direction.
- Star topper: the Star of Bethlehem.
- Ornaments: family times, memories, celebrations.
That is why families gather ornaments annually, some of them are old fashioned, and some are new fashion.
Why the Christmas Tree Decorating is So Special.
The act of decorating the tree makes families united. The lights, ornaments, and holiday music are wrapped, hung and enjoyed by parents, children, and grandparents. It is the episodes like these that make the season so magical.
Trees are nowadays decorated by different individuals in special designs which include:
- Classic red and gold
- Snowy white theme
- Minimalist modern look
- Rustic farmhouse style
- DIY handmade ornaments
Every tree portrays the character and genius of the house.
Real vs Artificial Christmas Tree Which one is better?
This controversy occurs annually. The merits of both alternatives are:
Real Tree
- Natural pine fragrance
- Sustainable and organic.
- Authentic holiday feel
Artificial Tree
- Reusable for many years
- Long term cost effective.
- It comes in various colors and designs.
The choice is up to you, your budget and how much you maintain it. Each of the two is festivity in your house.
Environmental Impact
It is significant that we are in a sustainable world today. The real trees are environmental friendly as they are replanted in tree farms. Arbitrary trees can be reused as well but will lead to waste in the long-term.
Eco-friendly tips:
- Recycle actual trees in the recycling plants.
- Minimum years of using artificial tree is 8-10 years.
- Use energy-saving LED lights
By doing this, you like the decorations but you take care of the planet.
The part of Christmas Trees in the Pop Culture.
The christmas tree is the core of the movies, holiday songs, and seasonal advertisements. Well-known trees in the city such as the one at the Rockefeller Center in New York, the Trafalgar Square in London and the Christmas markets in Paris attract millions of people each year.
The tree is also employed in marketing by the brands since it evokes warm and nostalgic emotions immediately.
Decorating a beautiful tree (Step-by-step).
To make your christmas tree unique, then follow some of the few simple steps:
- Begin with lights, and warm white lights are the best.
- Selection of color theme red/gold, silver/blue, green/white.
- Do not use ornaments of the same size.
- Add garlands or ribbons, that they may be full.
- The star or angel topper should be the last.
The technique provides your tree with a professional appearance.
Final Thoughts
The christmas tree does not simply represent a holiday decoration. It is a symbol of tradition, memories, love and togetherness. It does not matter whether you go with a real or an artificial tree, bare decor or fancy ornaments, the ultimate is that it adds more joy and warmth into your house.
Magic of this tradition is tha we make these moments every year and they remain in our hearts all our lives.
