Putting up a tree is a tradition that has been around for a long time. Folks have decorated with evergreens as far back as the ancient Egyptians, but the Christmas tree as we know it has more recent, um, roots.
Before the rise of Christianity, many people in Europe practiced pagan religions. Their beliefs shifted over time, but some traditions stayed the same. One of these traditions came from the tree worship that was part of many pagan religions.
The lights and decorations that we recognize today originated in Germany. The "paradise tree" was put up on December 24 to celebrate Adam and Eve's feast day. It was hung with wafers and decorated with candles.
By the mid-1800s, the Christmas tree had really caught on. This was with help from Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. He was born in Germany and brought the tradition to England. Victorian trees had small toys, cakes and other treats placed in the branches.
By the 1890s, electric lights were available! Glass and paper ornaments were popular as well. The first artificial trees were produced in the 1930s. These days, many families put up Christmas trees during the holiday season. It's a good way to bring some of the outdoors inside, at a time of year with little sunlight or greenery.
Want to know more? Check out these great reads from your library.
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