Christmas Trees and Christmas Flowers
About Christmas Trees and Christmas Flowers
Christmas trees and Christmas flowers are traditional symbols of the holiday season. And there are many of them. They are steeped in tradition and rich in meaning. To many of us, Christmas would not be complete without them. They adorn and decorate homes, churches, your place of work, and many public spaces. Christians can’t imagine Christmas without a tree. Accordingly, we see seemingly countless poinsettias everywhere we go.
Christmas Trees - Tradition and Meaning
A Little History: The origin of using Christmas trees has its roots in Germany during medieval times. It comes from the tradition of decorating an evergreen tree, called the “Paradise tree”. Others believe the first Christmas tree was decorated by Martin Luther during the 1700s. The Germans brought the tradition of decorating the tree to America in the 1800s. Once they arrived in the New World, the tradition spread rapidly in both America and around the world.
Finding the Perfect Christmas Finding a Christmas tree is one of the first steps in preparing for the holiday season.
Types of Trees: There are short needles, long needles, varying shades of green, and aarrgh…artificial. To most families, the whole process of selecting and decorating the tree is steeped in tradition from start to finish. The traditional tree absolutely has to be the same kind that you have had year after year, generation after generation. However, if you are looking to change varieties, there is plenty of selection. See: Varieties of Christmas Trees
Christmas Tree Selection and Care
Without a doubt, if you’re going out to get a live tree, then you are about to have a lot of fun. There are a few things you should know as you head out in search of the “perfect tree”. Christmas trees aren’t cheap. And, they can dry out quickly. Making sure the tree is healthy and fresh is job one. Getting one with a straight trunk is pretty important, too. When you get it home and into the room, your tree needs a little care and attention to help it stay fresh during the entire holiday season. Selection and Care of your Christmas tree.
Christmas Beer Keg Tree
The Genesee Brewing Company in Rochester, NY boasts a lighted Beer Keg Christmas tree. It stands outside the Genesee Brew House. The Beer Keg Christmas tree is 27 feet high, has 12 layers, and is made of 520 empty half kegs. Every year, there is a tree lighting ceremony with thousands of people in attendance. Their sister brewery, Pyramid Brewery in Seattle, Washington has also started the tradition. Their lighted Beer Keg Christmas tree stands 27 feet tall. More on the Beer Keg Christmas Tree.
Christmas Flowers
Poinsettia – Legend has it that a poor, young girl in Mexico was on her way to Christmas Eve mass. She had nothing to bring to the Christ child. So, she picked some green plants along the side of the road. When she arrived at the church, the plants had burst into beautiful red blooms. You guessed it, she was carrying Poinsettias. In the 1800s, U.S.Ambassador Joel Roberts Poinsett brought the plants back with him to the U.S. After that, he gave the plants, which would come to be named after him, as a gift to family and friends.
Christmas Cactus got its name as its tiny red flower opens up just in time for Christmas. Many people grow them as indoor houseplants. Christmas Cactus likes the dry air of your home in the winter. They also are popular Christmas gifts.
Mistletoe – Dating back to ancient history, Mistletoe is a sign of peace, goodwill, and love. Current tradition is for a young lady to stand under the mistletoe awaiting her lover’s kiss. Heaven help the young beau that does not take a hint. Want to harvest some Mistletoe? Then, get out your shotgun, because they are often used in harvesting Mistletoe.!
Holly is a tree or shrub with prickly green leaves and red berries. Its green and red colors are the colors of the season. Holly is attractive and used in a wide variety of decorations.
More About Today
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Recipe of the Day: Pumpkin Crunch
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Merry Christmas!!!!
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