Perhaps one of the most beloved symbols of Christmas is the Christmas tree. From the smallest tree propped on a box in a city flat, to the giant decorated Sequoia over 250 feet tall in a National Park, the Christmas tree symbolizes a tradition of joy and life. A tradition that embodies, for most families, the spirit of the season of Christmas tide.
The tradition of the Christmas tree actually began long before Christmas itself was observed. In very early times, the green boughs of the evergreens provided hope in the harshness of the winter landscape. People gathered around these evergreens to be reassured that beneath the dead twigs, barren branches and blanket of snow was a living and warm Mother Earth.
As time moved on, branches and then whole trees were brought indoors to be a more visible and constant reminder of the life that would return in Spring. Soon flowers and other meaningful 'ornaments' were added further glorifying the miracle of life.
By the 17th century the art of decorating a tree had been developed to it's highest form by the people of Germany. They called their tree Christbawn - The Christ Tree. They decorated the tree with various confections in beautiful shapes delighting eyes and stomach with a feast of Christmas decorations. As time progressed, ornaments of paper, tin and glass were added and became popular.
The Germans created miniature works of art called Dresden ornaments drawing upon every skill available to their craft. These perfect relicas of animals, coaches, household items and such are still the most exquisite examples of the ornament makers' art. The popularization of the glass ball ornament is due in large measure to the people of the German town of Lauscha. The glass blowers of some 300 years became the glass ornament capitol of the world and remained such until the second World War.
The tree got its first lighting in the form of small candies. Lit for but a few carefully watched moments on a freshly cut tree, they were the highlight of the tree's decoration. This "tree lighting" was shimmering, glowing, and wonderfully alive with bright orange flames darting around and Through branches of lacy green. With the advent of the electric bulb, it was a short time before custom light sets were made for the very wealthy. It was not until the early 1900's that such tree lights were available to the common man. Even then, a set of 25 lights sold for twelve dollars, a sum equal to the weekly wages of most working households.
Today of course, there are colour wheels and twinkle lights, tinsel and blinkers, spinning tree tops and musical stands. Yet the Christmas Tree is a symbol of life and the love that fills the Christmas season.
It is a step back in time in kinship with people who needed to be reminded of the freshness and beauty of life. Think of this as you decorate your tree and I guarantee you'll notice a glow all your own.
