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| source:fotofolia |
A long time ago…ancient
peoples from numerous cultures venerated trees.
According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, "The use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands to symbolize
eternal life was a custom of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and
Hebrews.”
Many people today, still
feel the same, age-old attraction to the towering giants and glorious forests
of mother earth.
In the past…people who
were part of farming societies lived close to the seasons of the land and their
turning points. Christmas day, as we know it in modern times, comes a few days
after the December Solstice of the Sun.
In old Europe…pagan
beliefs and lore were part of everyday life for those who lived on the land and
observed the earth’s yearly passage around the sun.
The people relied on the
fertility of the farm animals and soil, favourable seeding times, sustained
plant growth and the gathering of bountiful harvests to ensure their survival.
The hoary Celtic people
believed trees possessed different elemental qualities of nature that they
could commune with. There were spirits who lived inside trees and they could be
consulted for their wisdom, such as the mighty English Oak tree.
The more recent history
of Christmas trees dates back to 16th century Germany. The next significant
time maker is 18th century,
Victorian age London. Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert, was of German
descent, and he introduced the tradition of the decorated Christmas tree to his
royal wife.
A drawing of the Queen’s
Christmas tree was published in a London newspaper. In the years that followed,
the people of England adopted the Christmas tree. The festive custom spread
across the pond to America and to many other parts of the world.
But
enough from me, and over to those in the know. Here’s the lowdown from Houston
Public Media, with their video—“History 101 - Christmas Trees.”
This coming week on my
Google+, I’ll be posting about Christmas Trees.
bringing the Christmas
cheer,
hope you can join me again,
Ashlyn
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