The concept of a Christmas tree was
introduced in Germany as far back as the 16th century (and possibly
going even further back) when Christians brought a tree back to their homes and
adorned it with decorations etc. Although the idea of a tree at Christmas had
been brought to the British shores previously, its main popularity in the UK has
been attributed to the husband of Queen Victoria, namely Prince Albert.
In 1848, Victoria, Albert and their
family were pictured on the cover of the Illustrated London News, all standing
around their tree at Windsor Castle and soon enough, the tradition was being
followed by many of the wealthier middle-class English families who took great
pleasure in covering them with the likes of apples, nuts and dates etc.
In fact the young Victoria had previously been used to a tree being placed in every room of the house during her childhood, prompting her to write in her journal as a 13 year old in 1832:
In fact the young Victoria had previously been used to a tree being placed in every room of the house during her childhood, prompting her to write in her journal as a 13 year old in 1832:
"After
dinner... we then went into the drawing-room near the dining-room... There were
two large round tables on which were placed two trees hung with lights and
sugar ornaments. All the presents being placed round the trees..."
In these earlier days, Victorians
preferred the use of an angel at the top of their trees which signified the
angel who proclaimed the birth of Jesus to the world. Moving on to the 1870s
with the growth of the British Empire, a nationalistic fervour took over and
many people took pleasure in topping their trees with the Union Jack (Flag).
Many people however (and I have to admit
to being among them) like to top their tree with a star, signifying the Star of
Bethlehem from the Nativity.
So, if you have one, how do you top your
tree?
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