Trees that remained green year-round have held a special significance even before there was a relationship between them and religion. It was very common, even centuries ago and long before the recognition of the Christmas tree for people to hang year long greens in and about their homes and around their doorways to ward off evil and illness. Some believed that there was a relationship between the greens and the winter solstice. At that time many believed that the sun was God so when winter arrived that forced them to believe that God was ill and weak. They would then use the greens as a symbol of hope of what was to come when the sun God was well again.
Across the globe, although beliefs have been very different, the greens have always signified something important. Ancient Egyptians, Early Romans, Northern Europeans, and the Vikings all used some form of greenery and believed that it symbolized good news, good health, and eternal life, all in their own way. However, it was the Germans who began the Christmas tree tradition as it is known today. During the 16th century it was dedicated Christians who began the tradition of the decorated Christmas tree.
A story that many believe to be true is that of a man named Martin Luther who was walking along one winter night towards his home and became captivated by the way that the stars twinkled amongst the evergreen trees and in an attempt to recapture that sight with his family he cut down one of the trees and put it in the main room of his house and wired it with candles to create the same effect.
At first, Americans thought that the concept of the Christmas tree was a bit odd. Even until the 1840's, Americans still looked at Christmas trees as pagan symbols and would not embrace it. The staunch New England Puritans were dead set against any type of decorative or festive celebration on Christmas beyond a church service. As a matter of fact, those who engaged in any form of Christmas celebration were considered rebellious heathens. They believed that this was a time of sacredness, not a joyful event. In fact, anyone who breached this rule was fined. It was finally the German and the Irish immigrants that abolished this law.
In 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of England were photographed publicly in front of a decorated Christmas tree which then made it immediately acceptable and also the in thing to do. That idea fled to the US rather quickly and displaying a decorated Christmas tree was then very fashionable. At that time it was the Europeans that preferred small trees, about four feet or so but the Americans loved the trees that reached from floor to ceiling. As the years passed, electrical light strands replaced the hazardous candles that draped the Christmas tree. It was not long after that the glass ornament was introduced and replaced the traditional popcorn strands, fruit, nuts, and cookies. Ever since, the Christmas tree has been a household tradition.
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