Christmas
Tree Trivia
Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained
green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just
as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine,
spruce and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their
doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens
would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness.
The early 20th century saw Americans decorating their trees mainly with
homemade ornament, while the German American sect continued to use apples,
nuts and marzipan cookies. Popcorn joined in after being dyed bright
colors and interlaced with berries and nuts. Electricity brought
about Christmas lights, making it possible for Christmas trees to glow
for days on end. With this, Christmas trees began to appear in town
squares across the country and having a Christmas tree in the home became
an American tradition.
Trivia
 Christmas
trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.
In
1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament.
This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.
Between
1887-1933, a fishing schooner called the Christmas Ship would tie
up at the Clark Street bridge and sell spruce trees from Michigan to people
in Chicago.
The
tallest living Christmas tree is believed to be the 122 foot, 91 year old
Douglas fir in the town of Woodinville, Washington.
The
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition began in 1933.
In
1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting
Ceremony now held every year on the White House lawn.
Since
1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree
to the President and first family.
Most
Christmas trees are cut weeks before they get to a retail outlet.
In
1912, the first community Christmas tree in the United States was erected
in New York City.
Christmas
trees generally take 6-8 years to mature.
Christmas
trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.
100,000
people are employed in the Christmas tree industry.
Thomas
Edison's assistants came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas
trees.
For
all you ever wanted to know about Christmas trees ...
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Midi courtesy of Christeen's
Christmas Midis
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