Like many of our modern traditions, the Christmas tree has it's roots in pre-Christian times. Throughout history different cultures have used trees, especially evergreens, in their celebrations. In the cold and snowy climate, the evergreen was a symbol of life.
The Christmas Tree Farm Network says "Late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Our modern Christmas tree evolved from these early traditions.
Legend has it that Martin Luther began the tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas. One crisp Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a little fir tree indoors so he could share this story with his children. He decorated it with candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth."
From around 1700AD the Christmas tree as we know it began to evolve. That's when we all got into the fun of decorating them.
Here is a little decoration that your kids will love to make. Remember the paper chains you made at school? Imagine how pretty they are when they are made of ribbon instead. This works best with wider ribbon. The idea comes from Martha Stewart.
How to make a ribbon chain.
Cut your ribbons into 15 cm lengths. Staple a piece of ribbon with the right sides together, 1cm in from the ends. Now fold the ends back against the ribbon with glue with a glue stick to cover the staple. Turn them back to right side. Now take another length of ribbon and pass it though this loop and repeat the process of stapling and gluing.
Comments
Post has no comments.