Christmas Tree

History

The tradition of the Christmas tree is widely believed to have its root in the pagan traditions of Northern Europe. "Thor's Oak" of Scandinavian mythology and "Yggdrasil," the "Tree of Life," of the early Germanic tribes closely resemble the modern Christmas tree.

The modern version of the Christmas tree was first seen in 16th century Germany. The first reference is to a fir tree erected at a guild hall for the members' children and decorated with apples, nuts, berries, and paper flowers. Similar trees are mentioned in the late 16th century literature of Latvia, Vienna, Basel, and Strasbourg. Lighting the tree with wax candles (the precursor to electric Christmas lights) began in the 18th century.

The close ties of the British royal family to the Prussian crown brought the tree to Victorian England and eventually to the United States. Several US cities, including Windsor Locks, Connecticut and Easton, Pennsylvania claim to have erected the first American Christmas tree.

Artificial vs. Live Christmas Trees

Today's Christmas tree is more likely to be an artificial one than live one. Among the live trees, a significant number are sold with the root balls so that they can be planted after the holiday.

Types of live trees include:

• Blue Spruce. This silver blue tree, the state tree of Utah and Colorado, has soft 3" needles and a pyramid-style shape. Blue Spruces are often sold live with the root ball intact for planting after Christmas.
• Douglas Fir. Found in lots throughout the US, this cone-shaped tree has 1 to 1 ½" needles that carry a sweet scent when crushed.
• Scots (or Scotch) Pine. The most planted commercial Christmas tree in the world, this dark green pine has long, 1" to 3" needles and a fresh pine scent that lingers. This tree retains water well and thus lasts long into the season.
• Eastern Red Cedar. A favorite of the American South, this pyramid-shaped tree is actually a juniper. It has a rich scent and prickly needles.
• Fraser Fir. One of the most popular trees in the US, this high-altitude fir tree is widely cultivated for ornamental and holiday purposes. This tree is dark green with short, ½" to 1" needles.

Artificial trees have become increasingly popular, especially in the United States. "Fake" trees, which started appearing around the mid-1950s, encompass a wide range of products, including sparkling aluminum trees, contemporary feather trees, and a huge variety of life-like trees in all shapes and sizes. Many of the life-like trees have built-in lights for easy assembly. In the United States, about 70 percent of home Christmas trees are artificial.

Trees around the World

Christmas tree traditions vary widely throughout the world.

• United States. In the United States, trees are set out early, from right after Thanksgiving, and taken down right after Christmas. Typical decorations include bows, candles, lights, round ornaments, and a star at the top of the tree.
• Germany. The traditional German tree is uncovered on Christmas Eve to reveal a tree loaded with tinsel, lights, fruit, and nuts. Cookies, treats, and gifts are customarily hidden throughout the tree.
• Mexico. This largely Roman Catholic country uses the Nativity as its primary Christmas symbol. However, a small tree or evergreen branch, often artificial, is frequently added to the decorations.
• Brazil. Since Christmas falls in the summer in the southern hemisphere, Brazilians decorate their trees with small pieces of cotton to simulate snow.
• Sweden. The Swedish tree is unveiled on Christmas Eve, decorated with straw ornaments and animals.
• Philippines. Live trees are generally too expensive in this tropical country, so the typical family creates a tree from bamboo and decorates it with colored paper.