CHARMED to DELIGHT-The NostalgicTradition of Holiday Tree Trimming
Anchoring Tradition
The golden hues softy emanating from candles flickering and a cozy fire place glowing.
The harmonic melodies of uplifting Christmas carols.
The intertwined aromas of earthy spices and refreshing evergreen.
The ode to nature of a statuesque Christmas tree laden with festive trimmings.
The latter serving as a physical anchor in creating an overarching ambiance of peace, reflective of holidays past and present.
Nature's Canvas for Joyful Expression
Originating in Germany during the middle ages, the decorated Christmas tree was immortalized as a cherished tradition in 1848 when Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert, of German ancestry, were published in a popular women’s magazine festively gathering with their children surrounding a heavily appointed evergreen. Simultaneously, as immigrants migrated West to the United States, so did their nostalgic holiday traditions, including that of the decorated Christmas tree.
By the mid 19th century, the enjoyment of trees within the private home had become so popular that fresh trees from the forest were sold at retail and just two decades later, Sears, Roebuck & Company offered the first artificial trees. Towards the end of the century, the marketplace recognized an opportunity to provide the ornamentation to satisfy America’s infatuation with brightly appointed large trees. While on a trip to Germany, the great retailer, F.W. Woolworth, was inspired to import the country's iconic glass ornaments and popularity soon ensued as their brilliance became a source of welcomed delight. Today, Christmas trees share decor of all types- from simple and handmade to elaborate and professionally crafted. Perhaps of most significance, though, is the thoughtful impact that occurs when the preferred finery is intentionally placed upon nature's inspired fir canvas as an act of creative expression reflecting the celebrant's' traditions, beliefs and aesthetic preferences.
And with great anticipation, from quaint family homes to bustling metropolitan cities, one of the most eagerly anticipated events each year is the formal commencement of holiday festivities that is fittingly recognised with the illumination of an evergreen, regaled in adornments and representative of hope and joy for all who share in its light.
Did You Know? 💡
Glass Ornaments, Born of Fruit and Light
From whimsy to formal, vibrant to muted, organic to fanciful- the cornucopia of adornments placed upon a Christmas tree are often reflective of the traditions, culture and personalities of those presenting it. A hero of interpretation through expression, glass ornaments take many forms and meanings making them extremely popular. Most attributed for their introduction as a Christmas tradition was the German glass blower Hans Greiner in the mid sixteenth century. Lore claims that he did not have adequate funds to purchase the then popular ornamentation of fresh fruit to place on his family’s Christmas tree and resourcefully applied his artisan skills to create an assortment of the glass varietal. The play on light delivered great delight and thus glass ornaments began one of the most beloved forms of decoration bejeweling the Christmas holiday season.
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