The Christmas Tree Tradition
Several different stories claim to explain the origin of the Christmas tree. Many historians believe that the tradition first began in 16th century Germany, when pious Christians first cut down trees, decorated them and brought them inside their homes to celebrate Christmas. From Germany, the tradition spread all over Western Europe. Christmas trees became popular in Britain after Prince Albert and Queen Victoria used fruits, berries and gingerbread to decorate a Christmas tree in Windsor Caste around 1846.
The first Christmas tree in America was put on display by German settlers in Pennsylvania as a fundraiser for the church. The Christmas tree continued to cause outrage through the 1850′s when people viewed it as paganism, but by 1890, Christmas tree popularity was on the rise. Americans did change a few things to suite their tastes, decorating trees with homemade decorations rather than the traditional fruits and berries. The introduction of electricity inspired the decoration of Christmas trees with light. Soon every important building in town was adorned with a Christmas tree.
Other legends hold that Martin Luther, founder of the protestant faith was immersed in the beauty of stars shining throughout the boughs of a fir tree that he brought one home and placed a candle on every branch to recreate such beauty. Many other legends exist, even some concerning spiders. Ultimately now, it is up to you to decide how your tree is decorated.
To make sure your Christmas tree is a strong and beautiful one, keep in mind the following: Freshly cut trees need to be given plenty of water at frequent intervals, especially during the first week after they are brought home. It is also recommended that you add fertilizer to the soil in the tree pot and use Christmas tree preservatives that you can easily order online.
To decorate your Christmas tree, start with the lights strings. Hang up your lights on the thickest part of the tree (the base) first, and work from the inside branches towards the outer boughs.
As well, ornaments should adorn not only the outside of the branches but the outside as well. Placing the ornaments on the outside of the branches creates depth in the design. Using traditional less dramatic ornaments for fill is ideal. Solid balls are good filler items, about 20 are needed for each 2 feet of tree.All of your special ornaments should be placed on the outermost branches of the tree. Here is where you create your special interest tree. Now the creativity begins. There are a million theme ideas to choose from.
The most beautiful Christmas tree decoration is the one that reflects your personal feelings and those of your family. Using the same decoration theme for your Christmas tree and your Christmas cakes and treats is an excellent idea. Your family can have fun decorating Christmas ornament cupcakes together, or you could reproduce your Christmas tree decorations using edible Christmas toppers to decorate cupcakes and Christmas cookies, for instance. Putting as much effort, thought and feeling into all your Christmas decorations as you do into decorating your Christmas tree will give your home a wonderful holiday aura that reflects your holiday sentiments.
Anya is not a expert chef, however loves to bake as well as decorate cakes Her articles contain cupcake recipes that are as simple to create as they are actually delectable, not to mention valuable cupcake frosting recommendations for every single time of year as well as event.
