Who invented indoor Xmas trees?

Question

Who decided it was a good idea to chop down a small tree and bring it inside to decorate?

Was it the Germans?

Sure, it's normal to most of us now, but it's sort of a strange concept if you take the cultural conditioning away.

Answer 1

I believe it started in either the Dutch or German culture, where they used to parade a tree covered in candles down the street about 400 years ago. I guess they had to put the thing somewhere, so they stuck it in someone's house.

Answer 2

You are right about the Germans and yes it is a strange concept to cut the life force of a tree re - cultural condioning
It is said about a thousand years ago, St Boniface was the first to link the fir tree to Christianity and faith by seeing a fir sprig up from an Oak Tree. Apparently St Boniface came across a bunch of pagans who were about to sacrifice a young boy for worshiping the Oak tree. St Boniface got angry and cut the oak tree down and a fir sprig grew up. He considered this to be a sign of Christian faith. Then in the 16th century the fir trees were brought inside. The decorating started as a German custom, then in the 1800's Prince Albert from Windsor Castle set up a Christmas tree for his wife Queen Victoria and their children. They used candles for decorations to represent stars and then an American invented electric lights to prevent fires. I have sent you two links below

Answer 3

King Tut never saw a Christmas tree, but he would have understood the tradition which traces back long before the first Christmas, says David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture with the Springfield Extension Center.

The Egyptians were part of a long line of cultures that treasured and worshipped evergreens. When the winter solstice arrive, they brought green date palm leaves into their homes to symbolize life's triumph over death.

The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a fest called Saturnalia in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. They decorated their houses with greens and lights and exchanged gifts. They gave coins for prosperity, pastries for happiness, and lamps to light one's journey through life.

Centuries ago in Great Britain, woods priests called Druids used evergreens during mysterious winter solstice rituals. The Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life, and place evergreen branches over doors to keep away evil spirits.

Late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Our modern Christmas tree evolved from these early traditions.

Legend has it that Martin Luther began the tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas. One crisp Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a little fir tree indoors so he could share this story with his children. He decorated it with candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.

The Christmas tree tradition most likely came to the United States with Hessian troops during the American Revolution, or with German immigrants to Pennsylvania and Ohio, adds Robson.

But the custom spread slowly. The Puritans banned Christmas in New England. Even as late as 1851, a Cleveland minister nearly lost his job because he allowed a tree in his church. Schools in Boston stayed open on Christmas Day through 1870, and sometimes expelled students who stayed home.

Answer 4

Europeans called it the Yule Log originally..........there was a big ceremony when they cut it down, decorated it; then burnt it; usually in a huge fireplace. I don't know when that changed; I guess when christianity took over.

Answer 5

It was Lenny's idea.