Christmas is a time for family, friends, gift-giving, and decorating the tree. The latter is an inextricable part of the festivities for many of us. For those who celebrate Christmas, the sight of a decorated tree invariably brings a smile to their faces. However, there’s much more to Christmas trees than their ornamental value.
Ten surprising facts about Christmas trees you probably didn’t know.
1. The tradition of decorating trees dates back to ancient times. Pagans used to decorate their homes with evergreen branches to ward off evil spirits and ensure better crops during the winter solstice. Christians later incorporated this practice into their own celebrations.
2. The first recorded use of an evergreen tree for Christmas was in the 16th century in Northern Germany. The tree was decorated with fruit, nuts, and paper flowers. Candles were added to the tree later.
3. The first Christmas tree lot in the United States was set up in New York City in 1851. Today, there are approximately 15,000 Christmas tree farms in the United States, employing over 100,000 people.
4. Real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. The trees also provide a habitat for wildlife and help prevent soil erosion.
5. The most popular Christmas tree species in the United States is the Douglas Fir, followed by the Fraser Fir and the Balsam Fir. Each species has its own unique scent, needle retention, and branch strength.
6. Artificial Christmas trees have been in existence since the 1930s. Initially, they resembled toilet brushes, but over time, they have become more realistic. Today, you can find life-like artificial Christmas trees that look almost as good as the real thing.
7. The tallest artificial Christmas tree ever made stands at 230 feet tall and is located in Brazil. The world’s tallest real Christmas tree was 221 feet tall and was erected in Sri Lanka in 2016.
8. The world’s most expensive Christmas tree is located in the United Arab Emirates. It is adorned with $11 million worth of diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and other precious stones.
9. The largest Christmas tree on record was a 221-foot-tall tree erected in Washington State in 1950. It was made from multiple trees tied together and was about as tall as a 22-story building.
10. In 2015, the White House Christmas tree was decorated with more than 70,000 lights and more than 800 feet of ribbon. It took four days to decorate the tree and involved 56 volunteers from across the country.
In conclusion, the Christmas tree is not just a decorative piece, but it is an important part of the holiday season. It is a symbol of life, hope, and joy, and it brings families together. Whether you choose a real or an artificial tree, it is important to decorate it with love and care. The history and traditions of the Christmas tree are fascinating, and learning more about them can make the holiday season even more special.