The choosing and decorating of a Christmas tree to display during the holiday season is a beloved tradition with a long history.
Nowadays, Christmas trees are typically adorned with a variety of decorations such as glass ornaments, homemade crafts, candy canes, tinsel, and shimmering lights. However, this modern tradition contrasts with the historical practice of decorating Christmas trees with edible symbols like apples, which symbolized the feast of Adam and Eve on December 24th.
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Germany is credited with starting the tradition of the Christmas tree, according to History.com, with 16th century records telling of Christians bringing trees into their homes for the holiday.
Christmas trees were not always decorated with a large array of ornaments. During the early days of the Christmas tree, they were instead covered in red apples. (iStock)
It was popular in Germany to set up “Paradise Trees” in homes, according to several sources, including Britannica and CatholicProfiles.org.
Then, in the 1700s, evergreen tips were hung from the ceilings of homes, also decorated with apples as well as gilded nuts and red paper strips, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
It was not until the 1800s that the Christmas tree made its way to the United States by German settlers, according to the source.
Today, families cover their Christmas trees in a variety of festive ornaments. (iStock)
At this time, Christmas trees were not the large displays they are now, and they simply sat atop a table, per the National Christmas Tree Association.
Then, in the mid-1800s, trees began to sell commercially in the U.S. By the late 1800s, glass ornaments became a common decoration for the Christmas tree, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
Today, every family has their own traditions and preferences when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree.
Some go with a very complimentary design, sticking to a single or couple of colors. Others opt for a mix-matched arrangement, combining homemade ornaments with more classic ones, as well as colorful lights, ribbon and more.
