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Page: Profile: Wren's Nest News Local
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Article: 8481
[Culture]
Date Posted:
11/19/2003
10:00:41 am EST
Wvox Stats
Views: 8,140
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Comments: 14
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It's Official: First Xmas Tree In 1539
Author: Expatica Source: Expatica (Netherlands)
Title: IT'S OFFICIAL: FIRST XMAS TREE IN 1539
Germany invented much of the way modern Christmas is celebrated including the beloved Christmas tree but there has long been dispute over the exact year of the first decorated evergreen.
Seeking to set the record straight, Germany's Agriculture Ministry says the earliest proven sale of a Christmas tree dates back to 1539 although the trees did not become widely popular until the late 18th century.
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Community Thoughts: There are 14 comments posted | Reverse Sort |
| A Warning.... | Nov 21st. at 7:09:34 am EST |
by Debby (Florida) - wc_xemail
to those who would burn their Yule trees in the fireplace; it is a BAD idea to burn pine in your fireplace because of its' sap & tendency to start chimney fires. Maybe you only do this once a year, but the pine sap can build up, unless the chimney is cleaned annually. Just want to keep everyone safe...
Bright Blessings for a Wonderful Yule to all!
Debby
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| THREE CHEERS FOR THE GRINCH! | Nov 20th. at 2:17:39 pm EST |
by Fred Lawrence (Kansas, near Oz) - wc_xemail
As we approach the Christmas season, I again give thanks to the ghost of Dr. Seuss that he invented the character of the Grinch.
May the Grinch be with you!
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| When I Was A Little Kid... | Nov 20th. at 1:58:25 am EST |
by Lorana (Montana) - wc_xemail
my family always had a real tree. One of my fondest memories is of the year I went out with my family to the ranch and cut down a tree, but usually we bought ours. After the tree was done for the season, my dad would donate it to the local zoo. The zoo used wood chips to line the paths and senic walks on the property. It was a big drive they still do today to recycle X-mas trees. Now, my parents have an artificial tree, but my mom still misses the scent of pine.
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| Another Use | Nov 19th. at 6:44:12 pm EST |
by Magma II (New Milford, CT) - wc_xemail
Do what my father (a Catholic) does. Once the tree is no longer safe in the house (too dry) , he puts it out in the side yard under the bird feeder for the birds he feeds to use as shelter. Once it's time to mow the lawn again, he cuts it up and puts it on the log pile. It usually starts the first fire of the next winter season. My roommate and I just bought our house, and the doors for the fireplace are due in this week. I think I'll start next year's woodpile off with the remains of our tree this year. Hey, it is the ultimate in recycling.
I have two artificial trees, mostly because I refused to try to lug a real tree up three flights of stairs to my first apartment. My roommate likes a real tree, though, so we'll probably put up three trees this year.
Now if only we can keep the cats out of them...
Peace.
Magma II
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| When I Was A Xtian...... | Nov 19th. at 6:12:15 pm EST |
by Magestorm Allgoode (Taterland) - wc_xemail
I absolutely HATED those fake trees. I would decorate the house every year with a real tree. when the season was over, I would cut it up and allow it to dry. I then either used it for kindling in the wood stove, or used it to start summer bonfires. Just because you get a real tree, doesn't mean it has to be tossed in the landfill. Try using it as I did. Or even use a wood chipper and convert it into mulch. There are even some areas that sell special trees that still have thei roots, and can be replanted come spring. The possibilities are ENDLESS. Real trees do not equal irresponsible behavior, only stupid people with no imaginations.
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| Real Meaning Of Xmas | Nov 19th. at 5:44:05 pm EST |
by Sappho (SF Bay Area) - wc_xemail
This article shows the beginning of an ancient custom: the commercialization of Xmas. Given the date is in the 16th. century, they shouldn't blame this one on our pagan ancestors. Some Christian came up with it all on his or her own. And they've continued the custom ever since.
Ain't tradition wunnerful.
Holly [born 12/25/59]
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| Pagan Trees! | Nov 19th. at 5:41:54 pm EST |
by Moondaisy (Pittsburgh, PA) - wc_xemail
"The agriculture ministry notes that Christmas trees are based on ancient pagan traditions - not Christianity - under which evergreen branches were brought into homes as a symbol of protection and to drive off evil spirits."
Gosh, I wonder if all those Good Christians who refused to celebrate Halloween because of its Pagan tie-ins will now refuse to erect Christmas trees. If not, wouldn't that make them "hypocrites"?
Celebrate the season with pagan trees! Woo hoo!
P.S. Pagan Polish tradition: place symbols of *our* season (roosters, golden suns and apples, cloves, etc.) on the tree, plus "charms" representing those things you desire in the new year. Last year I interspersed my hand-made charms with god/goddess symbols and it was the most meaningful and beautiful tree I've ever had :-)
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| Another Tree... | Nov 19th. at 4:37:44 pm EST |
by Stephanie (Minnesota) - wc_xemail
I have no problem with people having christmas/Yule trees. These trees are grown on farms, so the arguments about cutting down trees being anti-ecological. After all, if there weren't a market for xmas trees, they wouldn't have been planted at all.
However, if you've got a problem with having a real tree cut down, I suggest you go out and buy a Hanakkah menorah. The menorah is symbolic of the Tree of Life and the goddess Asharah. It's pretty, the candles bring the light back to the world. They've a little pricy, but they last for, not years, but generations.
So, buy an menorah, today!
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| Alternatives | Nov 19th. at 4:24:24 pm EST |
by Lupa (Pgh) - wc_xemail - Web
Cutting down a tree very year certainly isn't all that eco-friendly. You can either buy an artificial tree which, although it's made of plastic (which is a petroleum derivative) will last for decades if well cared-for. Or, if you have a yard you can plant a tree and decorate it for years--or simply let it be the eternal symbol of rejuvenation that it has been for centuries without gaudy accountrement. Adding strings of popcorn and other bird feeders are nice this time of year, though don't make it a habit as winter feeding discourages migration which can cause problems for a species. Even if you have no yard, celebrate Yule a few months early and plant a tree at a park or on a friend's property in the fall.
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| Well Actually | Nov 19th. at 3:13:55 pm EST |
by William Anderson (Alsfeld, Germany) - wc_xemail
Actually the Germanic tribes, hince the name for Germany, have been in the area according to some since about 400 BC. This date is argued over by the experts, but it is clear that the people for which the country was named for have been here for much longer than the 16th century.
BB
William
He who sacrifices freedom for security is damned to loose both. Benjamin Franklin
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| No Title | Nov 19th. at 3:12:31 pm EST |
by Eri (Pittsburgh, PA) - wc_xemail
Good God I love being German. ^-^ Yeah, I know that cutting down the tree is a waste but eating meat is a waste of good cow, and a salad is a waste of good lettuce. But some traditions are just...nice to have. What is Christmas without a Christmas tree?
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| No Skin Off My Back | Nov 19th. at 3:06:33 pm EST |
by Ahroun (New England) - wc_xemail - Web
I never really liked the idea of cutting a tree down just to stick it in your house for a month, let it die and throw it in the trash. Suck a waste. I always thought that if there are any pagan origins to it, they sure weren't cutting it down.
Anyways, I don't celebrate Xmas. I celebrate Yule. At least a Yule log gives a reason why it was cut down.
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| Being | Nov 19th. at 3:02:48 pm EST |
by Ares hearthfire (ny, ny) - wc_xemail - Web
being that Germany did not esxist until the 19th century, I have no idea how they can claim something back that far. Of course, countries seem to claim a bunch of things lately that are not based on fact.
Ares
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| A X-mas Question | Nov 19th. at 11:22:22 am EST |
by Stephen (Dallas TX) - wc_xemail
Shouldn't that be the NC-17mas?
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