LivingChristmasTrees.com Christmas Tree Lore & History
Christmas trees, including living Christmas trees, have been with us for many, many years. Some trace Christmas trees and greenery back to the Druids and Romans. In Riga, Latvia, a tree was decorated in 1510. Check the link for a good discussion of Christmas tree history and some nice photos of Riga.
The importance of the Christmas tree is reflected in our books. We have "The Christmas Tree" (see web published edition) by Charles Dickens. We have "The First Christmas Tree" (see web published edition) by Henry Van Dyke, illustrations by Howard Pyle. For the young and young at heart we have "A Wish To Be A Christmas Tree" by Colleen Monroe.
For a detailed look at Christmas trees, etc., I recommend the book "The Christmas Tree An Evergreen Garland Filled with History, Folklore, Symbolism, Traditions, Legends and Stories," by Daniel J. Foley. This book was first published in 1960 (multiple printings) by the Chilton Company, and although a newer reprint is available, I recommend you go to the trouble of tracking down one of the 1960/61 printings of the book. The 1960/61 printings are beautiful books with red and green line drawings. At page 23, in writing about the long history of man's use of greenery, the author noted: "Living plants exemplifying the essence of beauty helped to dispel the gloom of winter, and evergreens particularly symbolized eternal life." The author also notes that the use of living Christmas trees or Yule trees dates back more than a century.
The importance of Christmas trees is also reflected in our Christmas carols. A classic Christmas favorite is "O Christmas Tree" a song which comes to us from German folk songs (see the link for lyrics and other information about the song). For a more recent Christmas tree song, how about "Rockin Around The Christmas Tree". This song has been sung by everyone from Brenda Lee (my favorite) to Hanson, and even Jessica Simpson/Rosie O'Donnell, in just an unforgetable duet. My niece recently pointed out to me that Hannah Montana had also sung this song, and so I've added a downloadable version (preview available) for you Hannah Montana fans. Click on the links below to hear samples of Rockin Around The Christmas Tree (as well as other Christmas songs) sung by these artists.
The importance of the Christmas tree has also been reflected in our videos. How about the 1972 classic film "The House Without A Christmas Tree," or the 1952 classic cartoon "Pluto's Christmas Tree." I've included links below to give you additional information on these videos.
While this is something that can be the source of arguments, by some reports, the tallest living Christmas tree in the United States is possibly located in Woodinville, Washington (122 Feet) or perhaps Blue River, Oregon (150+ feet) (see webcam). The world's tallest living Christmas tree may be located in Tasmania (262 feet) or perhaps may be the General Grant tree (267 feet) which in 1926 was proclaimed by President Calvin Coolidge to be the Nation's Christmas tree. The home of the largest reported living Christmas tree (an oak that is over 400 years old - decorated with 5,250 bulbs) is Wilmington, North Carolina. This will be the 81st year that the tree has been lit.
The concept of "Christmas tree" is continuing to change. A few years ago the Wall Street Journal did a nice article on alternative Christmas trees.
Ireland
Happy Holidays!
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