No one knows for sure the exact origins of the Christmas tree. However, many believe that the tradition of bringing a tree into the home around Christmas time and then decorating it with ornaments originated in Northern Germany around the 16th century. This tradition spread over the centuries throughout Germany, Eastern Europe and eventually reaching Britain and the United States around the 18th century.
But why use the Fir tree? It is believed that St Boniface, who converted the Germans to Christianity, came across a group of pagans worshipping an Oak tree at Geismar. This angered St Boniface and as an act of defiance, he decided that he would cut down the Oak tree. St Boniface then noticed a Fir tree starting to grow from the roots of the Oak tree. This was seen as a sign of Christ to St Boniface and the German people. The Fir tree then became a sign of Christ amongst German people and eventually a world-wide symbol of Christmas.
The tinsel used to decorate the trees was invented in Germany and was made from actual silver, right up until the 20th century. In 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (who was German), were shown in the Illustrated London news standing alongside their decorated Christmas tree with their children. This set a trend amongst the British, who copied their queen and it is believed that trendy East-Coast Americans followed suit as well. The decorations that were initially used, were very much the home-made variety. Many hours were spent making little pouches, which would hold gifts and snowflakes and stars were made to decorate the tree. This must have been a great time to spend with the family around Christmas time, preparing for the festive season.
Angels were then imported from Germany to sit on top of the tree and glass ornaments began to filter in to Britain by the 1870’s. It was thought that the more glass ornaments on a tree the better, which was a way to show your social status. The electric light for the Christmas tree was then invented in America in 1882, by Edward Johnson, who electrically lit a Christmas tree for the first time. The tree was in the parlour of his New York home, which was one of the first sections of the city to benefit from electricity.
There is no doubt that there is a vast selection of Christmas trees available today, with a huge choice of materials, colours, sizes and decorations to choose from. However, what hasn`t changed over the years is that decorating your Christmas tree is a great way to put you in the mood for the festive season. If you are looking for Christmas
gift ideas or to decorate your home please check out our product range at The Stock Shop.
