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Christmas Tree History Open For Discussion

The history of the Christmas tree is as varied as the decorations used to decorate today’s most common symbol of the holiday. While different cultures lay claim to making the practice of decorating an evergreen an annual tradition, it is believed that the tradition of setting up a Christmas tree was begun ion the 16th century. Originally decorated with fruits and nuts for the children to enjoy may have the edge, with a plaque claiming the home of the first tree was in Latvia in the year 1510.

The tradition of taking a live evergreen tree into the home and decorating it with lights and shiny decorations obviously until after the use of electricity was wide spread. While Easton, Pennsylvania lays claim to having the first Christmas tree in the United States in 1816, other communities also claim a role in making this an annual tradition. Windsor Locks, Connecticut says it started there in 1777 and Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1821.

There is little dispute, however that German immigrant August Imgard was the first to popularize decorating a Christmas tree and the National Confectioners Association recognizes him as the first to use candy canes on a tree. In 1847, Imgard felled a tree outside his hometown in Wooster, Ohio and had a tinsmith in town fashion a metal star for the top.

Length Of Stay Often Debated By Families

In the earliest days in the United States, the Christmas tree was traditionally set up on Christmas Eve, often after young children were in bed and credit was given to Santa Claus so there might be a place under which presents could be left. The Christmas tree was typically taken down the day after Christmas, a tradition rarely observed today. Many families begin decorating their homes the weekend after Thanksgiving and leave their decorations in place until after New Year’s Day.

The length of time a tree remains in the home was lengthened after the use of the artificial Christmas tree became more widely accepted. The potential of fire from having a live tree in the home made it prudent to remove it once the tree began frying out from the warmth of the house.

Many of the artificial Christmas trees made today are remarkably lifelike and with a little bit of artificial pine scent, they look as well as smell like the real thing. They can also be found in a wide range of sizes that enable families to erect a Christmas tree is just about any room of the house they choose.

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