How Christmas Trees Became a Holiday Tradition

Although the use of an evergreen tree at Christmas has been documented as early as the mid 1500’s, the earliest mention of a decorated tree was found in a 1605 diary. That tree was decorated with paper roses, candies, and apples. Over the centuries, the popularity of Christmas trees has grown and decoration styles have changed dramatically.

Vienna Mixed Pine Tree

The earliest decorated trees were adorned with small toys, fruit, nuts, and sweetmeats. Silver pulled into thin strips was used as tinsel.  These early Christmas trees were often lit with candles. By the mid 1700’s, the tradition was brought to the American colonies by German immigrants.  These trees were decorated with handmade ornaments and sugared almonds.

Ornaments
It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that glass ornaments became popular. They were imported from Germany and became a status symbol because of their cost. Around the same time, electric lights replaced the more dangerous candles.

Traditional Tree Decorations
To make your tree reminiscent of the earliest decorated evergreens, combine hand crafted ornaments with a beautiful 6-foot candy ornament garland. Add some small toys and natural elements like nuts, pinecones, and fruit. Complete the look with plastic silver tinsel and an angel on the top. How will you honor Christmas tree history this year?