The Legend Of The Chrismas Tree
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 to be reassured thst 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 the
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 minature works of art called Dresden ornaments drawing
upon every skill available to their craft. These perfect replicas of animals,
coaches, houshold 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 capital of the world and remained
such until the second World War.
The tree got it's first lighting in the form of small candles. 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 color wheels and twinkle lights, tinsel and
blinkers, spinning tree tops and musical stands. Yet the Christmas Tree still
services in its own glory. It still matters little what is put on the
Christmas Tree but that love is put into it. The Christmas Tree is a symbol
of life and 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.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS"!
