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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-12-22, Page 25THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1989. PAGE 25. There’s a long history behind our modern Christmas tree To most people on this continent the Christmas tree is a dazzling symbol of Yuletide gaiety. But many are unaware of the long and fascinating history behind this familiar Christmas sight. In ancient Greece, for example, the first was sacred to the worshippers of Dionysius, and a branch tipped with cones and twined with ivy was carried in his honor. The wood of the silver fir was used in the ceiling of Solomon’s temple. Romans of pre-Christian times decorated a tall conifer in celebra­ tion of the arrival of winter. And primitive European tribes took fir trees into their homes to please the “tree spirits” who might then reward them with immortality. OFFERINGS GIVEN In the Votjak tribe of early Finland, the fir tree was regarded as sacred, and certain branches were thought of as family gods to which sacrifices must be made. Offerings of bread, meat and drink were given to a tree placed on the mantel; and the Votjaks believed that a new house couldn’t be built unless a fir was placed under the roof, a cloth spread before the tree, and sacrifices laid out on the cloth! The Ostyak tribe of Siberia used a fir pole to represent the fir tree, and they, too, placed sacrifices before it. According to Dr. Oswald Hoffman of the Lutheran Hour radio program, one of the probable reasons for the popularity of the fir tree as a religious symbol was the fact that it was an evergreen; it always flourished through each of the four seasons, and was symbolic of a beloved God who was immoral. In ancient Germany, the fir was said to cure gout! Some patients believed that if they went to a fir tree after sundown on three succes­ sive Fridays and recited a rhyme, they would transfer their gout to the tree; if it withered and died, the cure was thought to be working. TREE OF PARADISE Germans of the Middle Ages put on church plays in which a ‘‘Tree of Paradise” was used to represent the garden of Eden. When authori­ ties put a stop to public displays of this nature, the tree was transferr­ ed to the home, where some families hung cookies and fruit on it. The first person to put candles on a Christmas tree was the 16th century German theologian Martin Luther. Dr. Hoffman relates that while walking home one night shortly before Christmas, Martin Luther felt a strong tie between the lovely forest he was in, the starry heavens above, and his love for God. At home he placed tapers on a little evergreen tree to recaputre the scene for his children by showing them how beautiful the stars had looked through the high branches of the fir forest as they winked in the skies. The custom of decorating a Christmas tree spread throughout Germany, and eventually through­ out Europe. It was introduced in England in 1841 by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German husband. German immigrants brought the practice to the U.S. in the 19th century. The first Christmas tree in America was displayed in Cam­ bridge, Mass., in 1832. The early 20th century saw candles replaced by electric light bulbs as a safety measure, but fondness for setting up a glittering tree remained strong. SUPERSTITIONS Some people regard it as unlucky to have an odd number of Christ­ mas lights on the tree, and there are many who believe it is neces­ sary to remove the tree before Twelfth Night, or Epiphany. Other We appreciateyour business and hope to serve your needs in thefuture from Management & Staff people say it is important that decorations be removed before Candlemas (Feb. 2) or “misfor­ tune” will follow. In Central Europe it was thought that death of the master or mistress of the household would follow if a fir tree outside the home were struck by lightning. And in medie­ val Bavaria, poachers ate the seeds of a fir tree before dawn on St. John’s morn to make themselves invisible from lawmen! In modern North America, how­ ever, the Christmas tree is looked upon as a symbol of joy and good will to others. And, although it’s straight and green, many children see it as curved, and many-colored - as the rainbow at the bottom of which, on Christmas morning, they find the treasures they’ve waited for breathlessly. According to an old legend, a poor peasant woman, with many children, decorated a Christmas tree with such humble trimmings as she was able to gather, mostly berries and nuts and such odds and ends as she had managed to save up during the year. She labored far into the night trying to make her tree as beautiful as she could. While she was asleep, spiders came and crawled from branch to branch trailing their lacy webs behind them. To reward the woman for her devotion, The Christ Child blessed the tree and all the spider webs were turned into gleaming silver. yuletide Cheer ■■■ lol beo o o J I May Christmas and all the joy it brings be yours throughout the coming year. ■•T '•jl GREY TOWNSHIP Council and Staff Karen & Wayne W' I/A/M / The best greetings of the season to all our great friends. We thank you for your patronage. Come see us in the new year. THE VILLAGE RESTAURANT X* DOWNTOWN BLYTH Topnotch Feeds Ltd. BRUSSELS Season w to All! W Thanksand happy holiday. Brussels ft Here's wishing your holiday soars! Thanks for your business and trust. JOYTO THE WORLD Tune up for a great holiday! We're glad to express our appreciation for your business and support. 5C to $1.00 JOHN NIXON Representing West Wawanosh Mutual Ins. Co. 887-9417 Plymouth Dodge Tfuchs\ BRUSSELS MOTORS I HR) SIER BRUSSELS 887-6173