The Christmas tree is one of the most widespread Christmas customs.
According to tradition, it must be decorated with balls, lights and various decorations by December 8, the day of the immaculate conception.
Fundamental on the top of the shaft is the tip. Although there are many types, the traditional one is shaped like an angel and represents the angel Gabriel during his visit to the Virgin Mary to announce the next conception.
In recent decades, however, they have gone for the greater star-shaped tips, representing the comet star that the Magi Kings followed.
The origins of the Christmas tree date back to ancient traditions of various cultures of northern Europe. The Celts considered the fir tree sacred to Odin and the lights of the candles, which on the occasion of the winter solstice placed on the branches, they depicted the souls of the deceased loved ones.
The Vikings considered the fir tree magical and symbol of hope because it never lost its leaves, even in the icy period of the year when the night became longer than the day.
With the advent of Christianity, the use of the Christmas tree was also established in Christian traditions, in which it was associated with the figure of Jesus who defeated death and as a symbol of the Trinity (given the triangular shape).
The modern Christmas tree was born in 1441 in Tallinn. In the square of the town hall was erected a large fir tree decorated with candles and fruits, around which was organized what was called the game of Adam and Eve: that is, young people, males and females, danced in search of the soul mate. All this also to symbolize the lost earthly paradise.
This tradition later spread to cities in northern Germany. But it was in the 1800s that he appeared as decorum in the most important European courts.
The first to have a Christmas tree inside were the Palace of Vienna and Versailles, followed by all the other European courts. Since 900 the tradition of the Christmas tree has spread in every house.
Comentarios