Several different stories claim to explain the origin of the Christmas tree. Many historians believe that the tradition first began in 16th century Germany, when pious Christians first cut down trees, decorated them and brought them inside their homes to celebrate Christmas. From Germany, the tradition spread all over Western Europe. Christmas trees became popular in Britain after Prince Albert and Queen Victoria used fruits, berries and gingerbread to decorate a Christmas tree in Windsor Caste around 1846.
German settlers brought the custom of decorated Christmas trees to America. According to one legend, the first Christmas tree in the United States was put up by German settlers in Pennsylvania. However, until the 1850s many Christians in America and elsewhere opposed the use of Christmas trees, based on their belief the custom was originally a pagan ritual. Nevertheless, by 1900, about one out of every five American families had a Christmas tree, and shortly afterwards the tradition became an almost universal one. Americans decorated Christmas trees using homemade ornaments in addition to the conventional European decorations of fruits and berries. With the discovery of electricity, lights became the single most used Christmas tree decoration.
Among the many legends about the origins of the Christmas tree is one that claims that around the year 1500 Martin Luther, walking through a forest of fir trees, was struck with the beauty of the trees and the starry skies behind them. He brought a small tree home and decorated it with candles in honor of Christ's birth. There are many other stories about how the Christmas tree tradition was born. While these may be interesting, for most of us today setting up a beautifully decorated tree in our homes is a cherished custom.
To preserve your decorated Christmas tree for as long as possible, water it generously, at frequent intervals - especially during the first week after it is cut down. Make sure you place it in a stand large enough to hold about a gallon of water so the tree base doesn't dry out. Some tree owners like to use commercial fertilizers for Christmas trees that you can easily order online. However, if you water your tree correctly using plain tap water, it should last for at least five weeks before it dries out.
To decorate your Christmas tree, start with the lights strings. Hang up your lights on the thickest part of the tree (the base) first, and work from the inside branches towards the outer boughs.
As well, ornaments should adorn not only the outside of the branches but the outside as well. Placing the ornaments on the outside of the branches creates depth in the design. Using traditional less dramatic ornaments for fill is ideal. Solid balls are good filler items, about 20 are needed for each 2 feet of tree.All of your special ornaments should be placed on the outermost branches of the tree. Here is where you create your special interest tree. Now the creativity begins. There are a million theme ideas to choose from.
Any tree is going to be beautiful if it represents the creative portion of your soul. You can even tie your tree ornamentation into your Christmas treats. For fun, try adorning some Christmas ornament cupcakes or try matching your Christmas tree decorations to a batch of edible Christmas toppers cookies. The best part about Christmas is that you can carry the dcor through every element. Experimentation is the key when decorating for any holiday. Try out what you like and use that dcor throughout your design.
German settlers brought the custom of decorated Christmas trees to America. According to one legend, the first Christmas tree in the United States was put up by German settlers in Pennsylvania. However, until the 1850s many Christians in America and elsewhere opposed the use of Christmas trees, based on their belief the custom was originally a pagan ritual. Nevertheless, by 1900, about one out of every five American families had a Christmas tree, and shortly afterwards the tradition became an almost universal one. Americans decorated Christmas trees using homemade ornaments in addition to the conventional European decorations of fruits and berries. With the discovery of electricity, lights became the single most used Christmas tree decoration.
Among the many legends about the origins of the Christmas tree is one that claims that around the year 1500 Martin Luther, walking through a forest of fir trees, was struck with the beauty of the trees and the starry skies behind them. He brought a small tree home and decorated it with candles in honor of Christ's birth. There are many other stories about how the Christmas tree tradition was born. While these may be interesting, for most of us today setting up a beautifully decorated tree in our homes is a cherished custom.
To preserve your decorated Christmas tree for as long as possible, water it generously, at frequent intervals - especially during the first week after it is cut down. Make sure you place it in a stand large enough to hold about a gallon of water so the tree base doesn't dry out. Some tree owners like to use commercial fertilizers for Christmas trees that you can easily order online. However, if you water your tree correctly using plain tap water, it should last for at least five weeks before it dries out.
To decorate your Christmas tree, start with the lights strings. Hang up your lights on the thickest part of the tree (the base) first, and work from the inside branches towards the outer boughs.
As well, ornaments should adorn not only the outside of the branches but the outside as well. Placing the ornaments on the outside of the branches creates depth in the design. Using traditional less dramatic ornaments for fill is ideal. Solid balls are good filler items, about 20 are needed for each 2 feet of tree.All of your special ornaments should be placed on the outermost branches of the tree. Here is where you create your special interest tree. Now the creativity begins. There are a million theme ideas to choose from.
Any tree is going to be beautiful if it represents the creative portion of your soul. You can even tie your tree ornamentation into your Christmas treats. For fun, try adorning some Christmas ornament cupcakes or try matching your Christmas tree decorations to a batch of edible Christmas toppers cookies. The best part about Christmas is that you can carry the dcor through every element. Experimentation is the key when decorating for any holiday. Try out what you like and use that dcor throughout your design.
About the Author:
Anya is not a expert chef, however loves to bake as well as decorate cakes Her articles contain cupcake recipes that are as simple to create as they are actually delectable, not to mention valuable cupcake frosting recommendations for every single time of year as well as event.
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