Christmas tree's origin

The tradition of the Chrsitmas tree spread in the 16th century in the German-Roman Empire, when Christians began to plant ornamental pine trees in their home. Probably Martin Luther was the first who decorated a pine tree with candles.



The German reformer was on his way home on a winter’s evening, when he saw a glowing bright star on the top of a pine tree which amazed him so much. When he returned home he told his family about the star and without any better idea he put a candle on the top of his pine tree.

Even in the 19th century, the custom in America seemed strange, and the first record of the Christmas tree claim dates back to the 1830’s. Germans in Pennsylvania set up their own Christmas tree in 1747, but the Americans have considered it as a Pagan custom.

The Christmas tree was later found to be a great supporter by Queen Victoria of England and her husband Prince Albert of Saxony-Coburg-Gotha. Queen Viktória was extremely popular and when she did something, it became a little exaggerated, and not only in Britain but also overseas, on the east coast. Christmas tree has finally arrived in the USA.

In the 1890s, the Christmas tree gained incredible popularity. America’s Christmas trees became huge in their size. While in Europe’s trees were only around 1.2 meter high, in America the Christmas trees reached the ceiling.

In the early 20th century Americans put on the trees homemade ornaments, while Germans favoured apples, peanuts, and even marzipan cookies. Soon Christmas lights became popular.

The first Christmas tree in Pest was probably put out by Countess Teréz Brunszvik in 1824, but the Podmaniczky and Bezéredy family played an important role in spreading it. This new habit has become established in the cities relatively quick. In 60s, during the Advent period there were pine tree fairs in Pest. 


Sources:
https://mult-kor.hu/20131224_a_karacsonyfa_tortenete
 Pixabay