Why do we put up a Christmas tree?
It smells of the forest, the lights are flashing, the balls are shining. A Christmas tree is simply part of the celebration. Here you can find out what the Christmas tree has to do with Christmas.
Setting up and decorating the Christmas tree together is certainly one of the most beautiful traditions around Christmas. The Christmas tree has its origins in a pagan tradition of the 15th century: there, on the winter solstice, people brought so-called Winter Maien into their homes. Winter mays included green branches. These were a sign of life during the dark season and promised protection from evil spirits. In addition, they served as a symbol of fertility and health.
The Christmas tree and its tradition
A real fir tree is said to have embellished Christmas for the first time in 1419. Spruce or fir trees were chosen because, as evergreen trees, they represent a sign of life and hope. However, since fir trees were rare in Central Europe, initially only the wealthy classes could afford them. The townspeople continued to have to make do with twigs. Only when more fir and spruce forests were planted were more and more families able to put a Christmas tree in their living room.
When decorating the Christmas tree, the colors red and green are increasingly being used. Green stands for hope. Red is meant to commemorate the blood of Christ that he shed to redeem the world.
Where can you buy Christmas trees?
Christmas trees are usually available from early December from special breeders or from private gardeners. But you can also cut your Christmas tree yourself. In this case, however, you should inform yourself about possible providers on the Internet. Simply driving into the forest and cutting down a tree is illegal.
Which Christmas trees are the best?
It is not possible to say in general which Christmas tree is most suitable. In Germany and Central Europe, for example, the fir tree is the most popular. The needles of the fir hardly prick and are therefore ideal for families with children. If you are looking for a Christmas tree that needs as little needles as possible, you are well served with a Nordmann fir. Another very special advantage: it smells particularly nice. Whichever tree you choose, from choosing to decorating with the kids, this tradition is really fun and gets the whole family in the spirit of Christmas.