Choosing and decorating a Christmas tree for display during the holiday period is a beloved tradition with a long history.
Nowadays, Christmas trees are often decorated with a variety of decorations, including glass ornaments, homemade creations, candy canes, tinsel and twinkling lights, but that wasn’t always the case. There was a time in history when Christmas trees were decorated with edible objects, including apples, to commemorate the feast of Adam and Eve on December 24.
Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition, according to History.com, with records from the 16th century reporting that Christians brought trees into their homes during the holiday.
Christmas trees were not always decorated with a large number of ornaments. During the early days of the Christmas tree, they were covered with red apples instead. (iStock)
The Christmas tree has evolved over time, especially in the way it is decorated.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, it was common in the 17th century for a Christmas tree to be decorated with apples.
The Feast of Adam and Eve, held on December 24, was honored with a ‘Paradise Play’, telling the story of Adam and Eve.
The piece, according to The Catholic Company website, featured a “Paradise Tree,” which was decorated with apples.
Apples were placed on the “Tree of Paradise” used in the play that tells the story of Adam and Eve. (iStock)
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It was popular in Germany to set up “Paradise Trees” in homes, according to several sources, including Britannica and CatholicProfiles.org.
Then, in the 18th century, evergreen spikes were hung from the ceilings of homes, also decorated with apples, gilded nuts and red paper strips, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
According to the source, the Christmas tree only found its way to the United States in the nineteenth century by German colonists.
Nowadays, families cover their Christmas trees with all kinds of festive decorations. (iStock)
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At that time, Christmas trees were not the large displays they are today, and simply sat on top of a table, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
Then, in the mid-19th century, trees began to be sold commercially in the US. By the end of the 19th century, glass ornaments became a common Christmas tree decoration, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.
Nowadays, every family has its own traditions and preferences when it comes to decorating the Christmas tree.
Some opt for a very complementary design, sticking to a single or a few colors. Others opt for a mix-matched arrangement, combining homemade ornaments with more classic embellishments, as well as colorful lights, ribbons and more.
