Why do We Actually Put Up a Christmas Tree?
Thanks to Victorian Prince Albert: The Royal History and Evolution of the Christmas Tree Tradition
I absolutely adore the Christmas spirit, and for me, the most important attribute of Christmas and New Year’s is a real Christmas tree. But where did such a wonderful tradition come from?
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| Queen Victoria | Royal Christmas Tree |
Origin
The tradition of decorating homes with evergreens originated with the ancient Egyptians. In Scandinavia, they were used to decorate houses and barns to ward off evil spirits. A similar custom existed in Germany: a Christmas tree was placed either near the house or inside during Christmas celebrations.
The tree symbolized the “Tree of Paradise,” and it was traditionally decorated with apples. Later, various cookies were used, and eventually, candles.
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| The Royal Family around the Christmas tree |
The beginning of a new tradition
Queen Victoria of England was married to Prince Albert of Germany, who loved the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree. He wanted to share it with his family and bring joy to his children. And I understand him; trees have a magical, enchanting atmosphere, especially when they’re decorated.
But the first person to put up a Christmas tree in the royal castle was Victoria’s grandmother, Charlotte (she also had German roots).
In 1848, the royal family created a Christmas tree card, and since the middle class loved to imitate the royal family, they began putting up Christmas trees in their own homes.
Prince Albert even ordered that Christmas trees be donated to schools and barracks.
There were several Christmas trees in the palace, and initially they were placed on the table. Presents were placed under the trees. And the custom was to open the presents not on Christmas Day, but on Christmas Eve. This was according to German tradition.
Interesting fact: before Queen Victoria, Christmas trees in England were considered a strange German fad, considered crude by the Georgian nobility. Albert changed this perception, making the tree a symbol of family comfort, not just a religious attribute.
Decorating Christmas Trees
Prince Albert is believed to have invented decorating Christmas trees with glass ornaments; he placed special orders with glassblowers. The town where the first glass ornaments were created was Lauscha (Thüringen, Germany). Initially, these were shaped like nuts and fruits.
According to legend, a poor glassblower blew glass figurines because he didn’t have any real apples or nuts. This became a commercial success. However, there is no confirmed evidence that the prince ever ordered his first glass ornaments from that same glassblower.
Silver glass baubles from Christmas cards were also popular. This is how the royal family created the first trends of the time.
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| An engraving of the royal family at Christmas |
Christmas trees were also decorated with real burning candles, which was quite dangerous. Therefore, they were only allowed to burn for a short time, under supervision. Buckets of water were always kept nearby. The first garland, consisting of 80 bulbs, appeared only in 1882, but it was a very expensive decoration. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century (around the 1940s) that electric lights replaced candles.
Gifts
Albert gave Victoria jewelry and paintings for Christmas. Victoria often gave Albert paintings, as he was passionate about art.
Children’s gifts weren’t the typical toys or sweets we get today, but rather things like a plot of land on the Isle of Wight (Osborne House) for each child and a chalet-like house (“Swiss Cottage”) in the Osborne House garden. But some gifts could be placed under the tree: dolls, dollhouses, musical toys, blocks, puzzles, books, and more.
I really love the birth of this tradition; it’s so beautiful and atmospheric. Buying a real Christmas tree and decorating it is a celebration in itself.
I’m so inspired by this Victorian tradition of giving gifts with meaning. And as we prepare for the holidays, I’m also trying to create things that can become part of your personal story. Take a look, maybe you’ll find just the useful thing here that will add a magical touch to your New Year or make a wonderful gift for loved ones? 🎁
Do you put up a real tree for the scent, or do you prefer an artificial one? And what are your favorite toys?
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