Holiday traditions: the Christmas tree

“O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!” Perhaps one of the most iconic images of Christmas is of an evergreen adorned with lights and ornaments, the look completed with presents nestled under the branches.

Families make it a tradition to go to their local tree farm or lot to pick out the best-looking tree to bring home. Artificial trees are offered as an alternative for those wanting an easier decorating option. Regardless of a tree being real or not, they add that extra touch of Christmas coziness as the glow of their lights provide a festive accent as the season’s cookie baking, movie watching, and present wrapping take place nearby.

With the Christmas tree being so popular, there is curiosity that comes with it: when did we begin decorating Christmas trees?

Christmas Tree History

According to history.com, Germany is credited with beginning the tradition (O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!). Many also believe that Martin Luther, 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lights to a tree after he wanted to recapture the scene of stars in the night sky twinkling above the evergreens.

This tradition took a while to be accepted in America. Though German settlers brought the festive tree tradition with them, the first on record of being displayed in the 1830s in Pennsylvania, Christmas trees were not accepted by most Americans, as they were seen as pagan symbols.

In 1846, an illustrated sketch in the London News showed Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, a German, standing around a Christmas tree with their children. Being a popular royal family, this was quickly seen as fashionable and was accepted in Britain, and also grew in popularity with the American Society keeping up with these trends.

Christmas Ornaments

It didn’t take long for ornaments to be introduced as accents for the trees, and by the 1890s, many Americans were on the hunt for trees that reached from the floor to ceiling. Homemade ornaments were originally used to decorate the trees, and the German tradition of using apples, nuts, or marzipan cookies continued. Stringing popcorn and berries soon joined in on the decorating fun, and electricity brought the opportunity to keep the trees glowing day and night.

Wright County

Locally, the Wright County Historical Society is known for their annual Festival of Trees, when the public can visit the center and see beautifully decorated trees. This year, the festival was moved online, where residents are participating virtually.

Groups and locals decorated and submitted photos of their Christmas trees, and the public has until Jan. 1, 2021, to vote for their favorites. Residents can also submit their tree photos until Jan. 1 as well. More information for voting and submission can be found at: www.wrighthistory.org.

Whether a tree is decorated for a contest or to add Christmas cheer to a home, the popular evergreens bring joy and a festive touch during the holiday season.