The Christmas tree has its roots in Germany where decorated evergreens had been a part of winter solstice celebrations for generations.
When Queen Victoria married her German cousin Prince Albert in 1840, he brought with him to England various German traditions, including the decorated Christmas tree, which became the centerpiece of the royal family's holiday celebrations.
In 1846 the London Illustrated News pictured the popular royal couple with their children standing before the first Christmas tree most Englishmen had ever seen.
"I'll be Hun for Christmas"
In just a few years the 'pretty German toy' became fashionable in England as society copied them, and soon a little decorated fir tree could be found in virtually every English home at Christmas.
As they often do, Americans copied their British cousins, and, as they often do, enlarged the tradition to room-sized ornaments.
No comments:
Post a Comment