Christmas Tree Tradition In America

The tradition of gigantic christmas trees in public spaces seems to be an american one that dates back to the late 19th century.

Christmas tree tradition in america. Taken to north america by german settlers as early as the 17th century christmas trees were the height of fashion by the 19th century. A newspaper report described an interesting festival a christmas tree which was viewed in concord massachusetts on christmas eve 1853. A decorated tree is usually one of the first decorative signs that the christmas holiday season has arrived.

These evergreen trees may be natural or artificial and are decorated with all types of baubles lights tinsel garland and ornaments to suit each family or organization s particular taste. The christmas tree s popularity spread with the help of the influential magazine godey s lady s book which in 1850 published the 1848 illustration of the british royals though the depiction of the family was altered to appear american. After a rich history christmas trees both real and artificial have become the centerpiece of the season and the classic christmas tradition that doesn t appear to be going anywhere anytime.

An early account tells of a christmas tree set up by american soldiers at fort dearborn illinois the site of chicago in 1804. The victorian tree was decorated with toys and small gifts candles candies popcorn strings and fancy cakes hung from the branches by ribbons and by paper chains. The christmas tree of queen victoria and prince albert became known in america in the late 1840s and in the 1850s reports of christmas trees began appearing in american newspapers.

To have a tree up before or after these dates was even considered bad luck citation needed and that to avoid bad luck from affecting the house s residents the tree must be left up until after the following twelfth. This and other efforts helped make christmas trees popular in the united states by the 1870s. In the olden times americans would use popcorn garlands to decorate their christmas tree.

Most other early accounts in the united states were among the german settlers in eastern pennsylvania. It wasn t until the 1820s that christmas began gaining popularity in america and the country s first christmas tree reportedly was displayed in the 1830s. The christmas tree is put up and decorated in every part of the world and the united states is no different.

The electricity lobby pushed for the first national christmas tree.