Christmas Trees -- Significance & Existence!

How many people do actually know the realGermans who provided the variety of ornaments
reason of the existence of Christmas trees? Is itto the world market ranging from butterflies,
connected with the birth of Jesus? Actually it isstars to miniature musical instruments.
nothing but the Christianization of the paganThe first known decorated Christmas tree was
concept: Evergreen tree is the symbol of thethe one at Riga in Latvia in 1510. Georgian kings
celebration of the renewal of life. Anythingfrom Germany brought the first Christmas tree
modern is not always secular. The case here isto England. The Royal Court was not following the
just the opposite because religious connotationcustom of putting up Christmas trees at that
was forcefully added to a secular aspect.point of the time. It was the Germans who
Christmas trees are so popular that they arestarted the tradition in 16th century with the
available in various forms and shapes. They canpyramids of wood ornamented with evergreens
be artificial or natural. For natural trees, Silver Fir,and candles.
Norway Spruce, and Noble Fir and Balsam Fir,The popular story goes like this- It was a winter
Fraser Fir, Douglas, Scots and Stone Pines areevening in Germany around 16th century. Martin
widely used in North Europe and North America.Luther King was mesmerized by the sight of the
But artificial trees are more convenient and moreglittering stars in the sky through the tree
popular as they are less expensive. In U.S. 70%branches. He tried to explain his experience to his
of the trees are artificial. Modern artificialfamily. He took a small fir tree from the wood
Christmas trees were first produced by theand brought it indoors and decorated it with
companies which made brushes. Initially the treescandles. This is how the trend of decoration
were made with pig bristles, plastic bristles, dyedbegan.
pine green color, or twisted wires. The producersThe whole concept is based on the idea -
are in an experimental mood and so we canevergreen trees are magical symbol of life. They
expect more varieties.remind us of the spring sunshine. Candles and
But the people dealing with environmental issueselectric lights are used as decorative items so
are not very satisfied with all the new thingsthat the light of spring can overshadow the
coming up as PVC trees are highly toxic. Thedarkness of winter.
experts opine that the dust or leaves from theSelection of Christmas trees is considered to be a
trees should not be eaten or inhaled. Polythenegreat art. It is an annual tradition which marks the
trees are less toxic but more expensive thanofficial start of this season. Virginia is well known
PVC trees.for the trend of e-selling of Christmas trees.
Christmas tree decorations underwent severalOtherwise there is temporary retail lot in shopping
changes. In 16th century Christmas trees werecenters and discount stores. Customers like to go
decorated with roses which are generallyfor the choose-and-cut farms for the scope of
associated with Virgin Mary. Paper roses, wafers,having an outdoor recreation experience. Living
nuts, lighted candles, and sweets were the popularChristmas trees are quite popular in Virginia as
decorative items for the trees in 17th century. Tillthey are not disposed after Christmas but used
mid 19th century cookies, chains of popcorn,as landscape trees.
raisins, nuts and pretzels were used but in theChristmas trees had a long journey from the date
later half of the century toys, bells, garlands andof Martin Luther King till today. From religious icon
paper decorations were the most popularthe trees are transformed into a product of the
decorative items. Stars, angels, or flags weregrowing Christmas industry. So, wait for more
placed at the top of the tree. It was theexperiments!