Pagans. Lots of sticks, branches and trees have been incorporated into the celebrations of the winter festivals.
The fir tree in particular has been used by Pagans to decorate their homes during winter solstice.
The Romans used the fir to decorate the temples during the festival of Saturnalia.
Christians associate evergreens with the everlasting life with Jesus.
Thousands of years ago, the tree was drug into the house (where it did NOT belong, I might add), and while they were not always fir trees (cherry, hawthorns, etc), they were usually potted and decorated. At one point, and I do not know why other than to thwart the cats, they were hung upside down from the ceiling.
If you couldn’t afford a tree, you could build a pyramid out of wood and carry that around with you. It was portable enough to go from house to house, and if you remember as we have traveled the world to look at Christmas traditions, some folks still use this pyramid today.
These pyramids may have been modeled after The Paradise Tree that was used in medieval times, when no one could read, as part of the early church’s way of getting people to come to see the play about the birth of Christ.
There are two towns vying for the honor of having the first Christmas tree. Riga, Latvia and Tallinn, Estonia. Both insist that they were first.
These trees were both put into the town square by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, who represented all of the unmarried ship owners, merchants and other eligible bachelors. It is said that they put the trees up and burned them down. But, not until there was drinking, fair maidens dancing and lots of singing. Sounds a lot like many holiday dinners even now!
It is rumored that Martin Luther was the first to bring the traditional Christmas tree into the house, but there is no way to determine who was the first to bring a house inside.
In addition, there are a number of other legends, myths and rumors around the first Christmas tree, but the one thing that we can believe is that the Christmas tree is a tradition that we all have enjoyed whether we had one in our homes or not.
Here are a few other things that you will enjoy, as will anyone on your gift list. Don’t forget that handmade sells out quickly, so buy it when you love it or risk losing it.
In addition to these fantastic gift selections, each of these artists have their own shops filled with more gift ideas, so be sure and stop and shop with each one.
Afghan Christmas Tree Ornament Handmade From Poplar Wood
Christmas Tree Bracelet
Tree of Life Earrings
Knitted Tree Tapestry Laptop Sleeve or Laptop Case
Crocheted Newborn Christmas Maryjanes Headband Antique White Red Silk Rose
Acorn and Pearl Autumn Necklace, Nature-Inspired Handmade Jewelry
Raw Edge Mallee Burl, Exotic Wood Earrings
Oliver Finds His Christmas Tree Sticker
Wire Wrapped Pendant, Heart Shape, Gift for Women
Fiber art, knit scarf, woman size, alpaca fiber
Christmas Tree Earrings, Swarovski Crystal Jewelry Holiday Gift Women
Antique Copper and Forest Green Acorn Autumn Handmade Dangle Earrings
Autumn Leaf Earrings, Beaded Leaf Earrings, Leaf Earrings
Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads, Painted Desert
Christmas Snowman, Santa and Snowflake Handmade Charm Bracelets
In addition to these fantastic gift selections, each of these artists have their own shops filled with more gift ideas, so be sure and stop and shop with each one.
If you see something you like, buy it now or forever lose it as handmade gifts sell out quickly!
Shop from these additional countdowns and pages:
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 1
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 2
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 3
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 4
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 5
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 6
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 7
Countdown to Christmas 2019 Week 8
Christmas Traditions – The Candy Cane
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Carols
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Bells
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Candles
Christmas Traditions – Christmas Lights
Christmas Traditions – The Pickle
Christmas Traditions – The Poinsettia
Don’t see the perfect gift? Ask an artist to help you design something.
Shop now!
Julie
Thank you so much, Julie and Harry for another fascinating read. There is nothing quite so beautiful, to me, as a well decorated and lit Christmas tree. I still get a thrill each and every time the lights on our tree are plugged in. Also, thanks for including my small earrings version of a glittery Christmas tree. Will share the iems and your post far and wide.
ReplyDeleteOh, and treats to the Handsome Harry Dog from the Moose Dog. Is this Harry's first Christmas with you? Hope he's not a dismantler of decorations (:
ReplyDeleteWell now...this is the first I have ever heard of the Pyramid tree! Thank you for the very interesting read Julie....and of course for all the promoting and including my acorn earrings. Will promote all.
ReplyDeleteI too had never heard about the Pyramid tree, very interesting. Thanks Julie for including my acorn necklace. Will be sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie and Harry for the Christmas Tree history and for including my wire wrapped heart. Shared on pinterest and twitter.
ReplyDeleteTreats to Harry from the gang.
Thanks so much, Julie, for this wonderful promotion! So interesting too! Have pinned everything to my BME Countdown to Christmas board, and have scheduled tweets. Treats to Harry Cutie Pup from Sir Gonze! :)
ReplyDeleteJulie, thanks so much for including my bracelet in this Christmas Countdown. Scheduled tweets for all. @lindab142
ReplyDeleteInteresting History of the Christmas Tree, Julie --- Thank You for including my Knitted Tree Tapestry Laptop Sleeve / Case as a Gift Suggestion! Pinning the Holiday Blog Posts on this Board: https://www.pinterest.com/rssdesignsfiber/2019-fall-winter-holiday-decorating-and-gift-ideas/blog-posts-2019-holidays/
ReplyDeleteLove your tales. Thank you for including my fiber art scarf in this lovely collection of handmade beauties.
ReplyDeleteAll the items were shared in Twitter @AndreaDesigns1 using hashtag #bmecountdown.