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*~*~*How The Christmas Tree Came To The United States*~*~ The tradition of using evergreens and trees in celebration began in the northern parts of Europe. Evergreen plants were part of the annual pagan celebration of renewal. To the earliest American Puritan communities, Christmas was sacred. The Plymouth Colony governor tried to halt the use of evergreens and decorations. He considered them a "pagan mockery" of the holiday observance. The outspoken Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell preached against the "heathen traditions" of singing carols and using decorated trees. He feared that might distract from that sacred event. In 1659 The General Court of Massachusetts declared that any form of celebration on Christmas, other than a church service, was a penal offense. People could be cited for hanging decorations of any kind. By the first half of the 19th century one still could not find a Christmas tree in any American town square or home. This began to change with the influx of German immigrants who brought their own traditions to the new country. The first record of a Christmas tree being displayed in an American home was in the 1830's by German settlers. The trees had been a tradition in German homes since the 16th century. Outdoor, community Christmas trees are recorded in use in Pennsylvania by the mid-19th century. In 1846, German Prince Albert and his wife English Queen Victoria of England publicly embraced the Christmas tree. Their popularity led to the tradition becoming established in England and the United States.     Happiness is when what you think, what you say, what you do are in harmony - M. Gandhi |
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A Christmas plate with nuts and chocolates is a must.  Happiness is when what you think, what you say, what you do are in harmony - M. Gandhi
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Interesting. The Christmas tree has been part of our Christmas celebration for all my life, with the exception of lately when I haven't felt like putting one up. I've never thought of it as anything more than a pretty decoration of the holiday season and certainly not a detraction from the celebration of the birth of the Christ. That's always been the primary focus for me and my family. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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Early Christians incorporated many of the pagan traditions which made it simpler to convert the pagans to Christianity. It brings joy no matter the reason for celebrations. It is certainly a better alternative than jailing people for simply wanting to be happy Abracadabra 
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Very interesting read indeed. I was reared by my grandparants and I have no memory of us ever having a Christmas tree. But I have very fond memories of picking holly with my granny to decorate the house. That was my favourite time of the year. She used to put sprigs of holly all around the crib, and on the mantle piece. I remember the Christmas cards displayed on a string hanging across the fireplace, and of course the candle burning brightly in the window. To me it was all magical time. I love the readition of the Christmas tree. This year I didn't put up the big tree, just a small table-top one. But it is very pretty and lifts my spirits . Merry Christmas to you and yours myseek.
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Tradition that should be lol.
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12/25/2020 6:10 am |
My German/ English speaking grandmother always had to have a real Tannenbaum with real candles clipped onto it. On Christmas Eve she would turn out all lights in the house & ceremoniously light the candles on the Tannenbaum---then pass out the gifts. It brought a closeness of family that I have never experienced since those days. Needless to say the candles were snuffed out immediately after in order to keep from burning the house down. Just Yesterday my cousin rented an apartment because she lost everything when her home burned. We relatives plan to see that most will be replaced after the holidays. Merry Christmas Everyone.
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Interesting. The Christmas tree has been part of our Christmas celebration for all my life, with the exception of lately when I haven't felt like putting one up. I've never thought of it as anything more than a pretty decoration of the holiday season and certainly not a detraction from the celebration of the birth of the Christ. That's always been the primary focus for me and my family. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, what you do are in harmony - M. Gandhi
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Early Christians incorporated many of the pagan traditions which made it simpler to convert the pagans to Christianity. It brings joy no matter the reason for celebrations. It is certainly a better alternative than jailing people for simply wanting to be happy Happiness is when what you think, what you say, what you do are in harmony - M. Gandhi
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Very interesting read indeed. I was reared by my grandparants and I have no memory of us ever having a Christmas tree. But I have very fond memories of picking holly with my granny to decorate the house. That was my favourite time of the year. She used to put sprigs of holly all around the crib, and on the mantle piece. I remember the Christmas cards displayed on a string hanging across the fireplace, and of course the candle burning brightly in the window. To me it was all magical time. I love the readition of the Christmas tree. This year I didn't put up the big tree, just a small table-top one. But it is very pretty and lifts my spirits . Merry Christmas to you and yours myseek. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, what you do are in harmony - M. Gandhi
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My German/ English speaking grandmother always had to have a real Tannenbaum with real candles clipped onto it. On Christmas Eve she would turn out all lights in the house & ceremoniously light the candles on the Tannenbaum---then pass out the gifts. It brought a closeness of family that I have never experienced since those days. Needless to say the candles were snuffed out immediately after in order to keep from burning the house down. Just Yesterday my cousin rented an apartment because she lost everything when her home burned. We relatives plan to see that most will be replaced after the holidays. Merry Christmas Everyone. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, what you do are in harmony - M. Gandhi
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