The Christmas Tree

There are many stories that speculate about the origin of the use of the evergreen tree in Christmas celebrations, but all stem back to ancient religious ceremonies.

In the 16th century, German people are thought to have been the first to place a decorated evergreen tree in their homes.  They used gilded nuts, stars, angels, toys and eventually, burning candles.  The custom became popular throughout Europe, but it was the English who adopted the evergreen as a part of the Christmas tradition.  The first Christmas tree appeared in Windsor Castle in 1841.  It was decorated with items only the wealthy could afford at the time such as candles, fruits, nuts and gingerbread.  Soon, other wealthy families extravagantly decorated their evergreen trees with dolls, toys, jewelry, weapons and candy.

In 19th century Pennsylvania, immigrant German settlers displayed a decorated Christmas Tree as an attraction in front of a Church to raise money.  Parishoners felt strongly that it symbolized a return to paganism and demanded its removal.  Gradually, the custom was met with less objection and decorated Christmas trees began to spring up in homes everywhere.  Trimmed with home-made paper ornaments, candy canes and strings of cranberries or popcorn, Americans liked their trees to reach to the ceiling.

With the invention of the electric light bulb in 1879. illuminated Christmas trees began to appear in front of businesses and stores.  Lighting ceremonies in the middle of town squares marked the beginning of the Christmas season. 

In present times, the most popular decorations still include the traditional candy cane plus twinkling lights and glittering ornaments.  Customs vary all over the world, but the Christmas Tree remains the central theme of holiday celebrations.