Christmas Tree

December 4th, 2009 user

srmodh

Title: Christmas: Tree
Date of Issue: 2 November 2009
Country: Canada
Denominations: Permanent

Elegant and enchanting, lively and crisp, it’s hard to imagine the holiday season without the radiant glow of a Christmas tree. And did you know that this cherished tradition flourished from a history as rich and illustrious as the bells, baubles and tinsel that adorn our trees each year.

Thousands of years ago, when the well-being of entire cultures depended on the fruitfulness of the land, trees and other plant life were considered sacred. Evergreens were said to possess exceptional vitality and power, as they continue to survive and flourish when deprived of warmth and sunlight. It was a common pagan custom to use such greenery as décor during winter solstice celebrations, as these trees, wreaths and garlands were reminders of better times to come—the promise of new life in spring.

The Germanic people kept this custom alive for centuries and established Christmas tree decorating as we know it today. The tradition was introduced to England during the mid-1800s and popularized throughout North America by German and British immigrants around the same time. Early trees were lit with candles and decorated with apples, nuts, pastries, ribbon, and other homemade ornaments. Many millennia since the tradition began, evergreens continue to inspire the holiday season with feelings of hope and good cheer.

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