Christmas Tree Festivities
Christmas tree is an evergreen tree, often pine, spruce or fir species decorated with an array of twinkly lights, decorative ornaments, trinkets and bows designed to celebrate the Christmas festivities of the year. Christmas trees can be artificial, potted or freshly cut which are used both indoor and outdoors. Estimates suggest around 25 to 30 million Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States with strong supply demand expected for 2025 as growers anticipate selling more trees compared to 2024. The market seems robust with strong consumer interest in both natural and artificial trees as growing consumer consciousness favors real sustainable trees though artificial trees remain as a popular choice for convenience purposes. Christmas trees are traditionally associated with Christian symbolism; their modern use is secular. People across the globe often place presents adorned with decorative paper and bows around an indoor Christmas tree to be opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day sharing gifts of giving.
Over 2 billion people celebrate Christmas globally making it one of the world's most popular holidays of the year embracing the festivities with glee. Historically the use of evergreen trees, garlands and wreaths symbolize eternal life which was a custom of Hebrews, Chinese, ancient Egyptians. Tree worship was common among pagan Europeans which survived their conversion to Christianity in Scandinavian customs of decorating the house and barn in festive attire with evergreens at the New Year to scare away evil. Historically evergreen trees were linked to legends and folklore where they provided shelter to the birds during harsh winter seasons. In many tales evergreens were celebrated for their kindness in protecting vulnerable creatures which helped explain why the evergreen trees kept their leaves year round. It survived further when German customs observed placing a Yule tree at the entrance or inside a house during the midwinter holidays.
In Germany the Yule Log ( Julklotz or Weihnachtsklotz) was a large piece of wood which was burned during the winter solstice or Christmas season. It symbolized warmth, protection and triumph of light over darkness during the mid winter holidays. The Christmas tree originated in Germany during the middle ages where Protestant Christians decorated evergreen trees with apples, nuts and candles. In Germany evergreen decorating began in the 16th century with devout Christians bringing fir trees indoors adorning them with fruits, nuts and candles as symbolizes of light and life evolving from the Medieval “Paradise Trees and wooden pyramids” eventually featured handcrafted ornaments created from wood, paper and later glass bubbles. The modern day Christmas tree originated in West Germany which became the center piece of celebrations then later spread across Britain and America. It is rooted in German traditions because Germany blended ancient pagan customs with Christian practices creating rituals like the Christmas tree and Advent calendar that became central to the holiday season worldwide.
The custom was widespread among German Lutherans by the 18th century but it was not until the following century that the Christmas tree became deep rooted in German tradition. It was introduced into England in the 19th century by German born Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. The Victorian tree was decorated with small gifts, toys, candles, candies, popcorn strings used as garland and fancy cakes hung from the branches with ribbons and paper chains. Christmas trees taken to North America by German settlers as early as the 17th century as Christmas trees were the highlight of fashion by the 19th century. They were also popular in China, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In Japan and China Christmas trees were introduced by Western missionaries in the 19th and 20th centuries which were decorated with intricate paper designs galore. The Christmas tree centers on symbolizing eternal life, joy, unity living in the light.
The famous Rockefeller Center tree carries specific stories of family, legacy, and bringing people together embracing the season which celebrates the season with timeless traditions of faith, family and hope of the year in 2025.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn Images
Courtesy of Angeieges at Pixbay
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