24 Days of Martin – Day 04:  Christmas Trees

Martin and his mom arrived home with their live Norway Spruce, otherwise known as their live Christmas Tree.  Mom went inside to get Dad for help.  As Dad and Martin started to move the tree, Dad asked if they knew about how Christmas Trees first began.

Martin thought for a moment and realized he had learned a few things while doing his research on Advent Calendars.  “I know some things!”, Martin exclaimed as they lifted the Spruce out of the car.  “About 4,500 years ago, Ancient Cultures would hold celebrations lasting days before and days after the shortest day of the year, also known as the winter solstice.  Sometimes these celebrations would last for weeks!  The shortest day of the year would bring about the longest night of the year, bringing much dark and very little sun.  The Ancients used evergreen boughs, garlands, and wreaths in winter to symbolize the persistence of life, ongoing vitality, and renewal of the sun, and return of warmer days.”

“You are right, Martin.”, Dad said as he hefted the tree up on his shoulder.  “Did you know about 2,500 years ago, the Romans held festivals similar to the Ancient Cultures.  Their celebrations would start after planting season ended, around Dec 17, and would often last until Dec 23.   Evergreens were used to decorate temples and homes; symbolizing the continuance of life thru rebirth and growth and the celebration of the sun and light during the shortest days and darkest nights of the year.”

“Yes, Yes, Yes!”, Martin excitedly chimed in.  “Evergreen branches and boughs were used to over doors and inside homes to keep away evil spirits and offer warmth and protection for woodland spirits during the long, cold winters.  And small gifts of clay and wax figurines, candles, fruits, nuts, sweets, coins, and valuables were exchanged, thought to be the start of the tradition of gift giving.”

Mom closed the back of the car as Dad and Martin walked down the path towards the house.  “Did either of you know that 1,125 years ago, the Vikings believed evergreens were the favored plants of Baldur, the Norse god of light.  Because Baldur symbolized light and the promise of the sun’s return, the Vikings linked him with evergreen plants — the only greenery that stayed bright and alive through the darkest months. Evergreens were seen as ‘ever green,’ a living reminder of hope and renewal, even in deep winter.”

Mom opened the front door and stepped into the house.  “But the trees and boughs, and wreaths were always outside.”, Dad said as Mom held the door open for he and Martin.  As they placed the tree down in the living room, Dad continued, “About 600 years ago in Medieval Germany, mystery plays were preformed on Dec 24, then known as Adam and Eve Day.  Trees were decorated with apples and called “Paradise Trees” to represent the Garden of Eden.  Families began to set up Paradise Trees in their own homes, bringing the trees from outside to inside.

As Martin brushed needles off his tail and out of his claws, he said “A legend from 500 years ago says that Martin Luther was walking home thru the woods one winter night.  He saw a tree lit thru the branches with starlight.  Martin Luther was so inspired by the beautiful tree, he cut down a small fir tree, brought it home, and to recreate the starlight, lit small candles on the branches.”

“You are correct Martin,” said his Dad, Germans inspired many holiday traditions, and about 400 years ago, Christmas trees were seen frequently inside German homes.  These trees were decorated with fruits and nuts, pretzels, paper flowers, and candles.”

“And about 200 years ago,” Mom interjected, a handsome German Prince named Albert married a Queen of England named Victoria.  Christmas trees became all the fashion after the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the Royal Family around their own Christmas Tree. The President of the United States had the first Christmas Tree in the White House about 170years ago.  It was another 40 years before Christmas trees were popular in most American homes.”

“Wow! We sure do know a lot about Christmas Trees!”, quipped Martin.  “Now that we have our tree home, it’s time to decorate!!”.

Mom chuckled, “It’s time for dinner Martin.  Let’s put the tree in some water and let it settle in for the night.  Let the branches stretch out and we can decorate tomorrow.  Go get washed up!”

Martin high-fived Dad as he scampered off to wash his hands.  He was already thinking about how to incorporate some of the Ancient decorations with the decorations they had stored in the attic, along with the decorations he had made at school.