An insight into the history of Christmas tree

From European royalty to middle age tradition to Garden of Eden, the evolution of the decorated Christmas trees has been a journey over the years. Also refereed as Yule tree, it is widely accepted as a symbol of Christmas festival.

Families form memories as they decorate the Christmas tree together. The traditions related to Christmas tree are an interesting mix of historical facts and stories. The blend of two has created a modern version of evergreen Christmas tree.

While looking at the Christmas tree traditions, one can start with the celebration of Tree of Knowledge that starts from Garden of Eden. In the middle ages, trees were adorned with red apples to rejoice Adam and Eve’s feast. From here, the tradition of Christmas tree moved from outdoor trees being decorated to the indoor tree decoration. The first indoors trees were hung upside down. Germany fir trees were decorated with roses, apples, colored papers and gilded candies.

It is not very apparent as who should be attributed with first indoor tree decoration with lights.

There are numerous stories credited to Martin Luther placing lights on the indoor Christmas tree. The most established version of the story goes when once Martin Luther was sitting with his family on a winter evening by evergreen trees dazzling with the starlight. So, to show the beauty of trees in star light, he placed lights on the indoor tree.

During 17th century, the tradition of Christmas tree decorations gradually spread all over Europe. The trees were decorated with nuts, apples and red paper strips. It is during this time that royal families began to embrace the thought of a Christmas tree.

However, it did take a little time in the acceptance of Christmas tree tradition in the United States. Franklin Pierce was the first president to initiate “Christmas tree” to White House in 1856. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge enlightened the first national Christmas in the White House.

In the present day, people celebrate Christmas by embellishing their trees with a variety of ornaments and lights. There are beautiful flowers, ribbons, lights and ornaments to decorate the Christmas trees. Each year these amazingly decorated trees tell you a story of life as you start with your Christmas celebrations.

Today, there are a large number of choices for the type of trees you can get to beautify your home. There are artificial trees that look so real that you would need to wear gloves to place them together. These are options for pre-lit trees with white and colored lights, which can change by pressing the button on remote.

However you may choose to decorate your Christmas tree, the festival surely reminds you of some good old Christmas traditions that help in creating new memories with your loved ones.