Would you rather go traditional or decide for yourself when you will put up your Christmas tree? The following information can help you!
Since it was once a pagan ritual, according to the Christian religion there is no specific date for the erection of the Christmas tree. According to tradition, this should take place on the first Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. However, many people start decorating their homes with Christmas decorations of this type as early as mid or late November. This is usually due to the fact that any decorative elements go on sale in supermarkets much earlier. This is also used in television advertising, even before the Christmas spirit has reached the viewer. But don't worry if you don't have a festively decorated Christmas tree yet. You still have plenty of time for that.
What symbolism is used to put up a Christmas tree?
The commercialization of Christmas is obvious, but that doesn't mean everyone has to leave their home for 2 monthsdecorate before Christmasshould. There is indeed a period of time to prepare for this, regardless of how nuanced the opinions are. The periwinkle usually symbolizes immortal nature, although it is believed that the ancient Germanic tribes celebrated this cult long before Christmas. To do this, they decorated living fir trees with dried fruits and candles after the autumn leaves began to fall to pray for the return of spring.
According to legends, the triangular shape of the Christmas tree is also a symbol of the Holy Trinity. However, the associated Christmas decorations became more and more elaborate over time. Catholics can put up and decorate their Christmas tree at the beginning of Advent, i.e. on the first Sunday in December. However, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to preparing decoratively for Christmas. The idea is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through a festively decorated home. However, there are no indications as to when exactly this should be done or with what kind of decorations.
What traditional decoration is typical for the Christmas tree?
As already written, Christmas tree decorations have become increasingly rich over time, with eye-catching garlands, lights and Christmas toys now being used for them. The large star that is attached to the top of the Christmas tree is a symbol of the guiding star that showed the way to the Three Wise Men at the birth of Jesus Christ. Other traditional onesThe decorative elements are the balls, sugar canes and angels, which come in different colors. In principle, red and gold are typical and most commonly used.
In Germany it was believed that the spirit of the forest, which protects them, lives in the Christmas tree. Later, its evergreen color became a symbol of eternal faith in Christ. This is also where the tradition comes from today, according to which people set up their Christmas trees and decorate them with toys and lights, as well as placing Christmas presents under them. In addition, in Germany you can also decorate the Christmas tree and start the celebrations on Christmas Eve. The situation is different in Scandinavian countries like Sweden. Only the father decorates the Christmas tree, although no one is allowed to see it before the gifts are exchanged. As for other cultures, in Vietnam people decorate peach branches, while Latin Americans cover a palm tree with cotton.
Why put up the Christmas tree earlier and how to care for it?
Given the traditions, you could stick to the religious Advent celebrations and not add a Christmas tree to your home until December. However, the last weekend of November seems to be becoming an increasingly popular date for this matter lately. This could also have some advantages.According to research, this adds to the Christmas atmosphere and improves mood, which can reduce stress at the busy end of the year. If you want to decorate a natural Christmas tree but are worried that putting it up early will cause it to wilt, you can use a few tricks:
- After purchasing, you can first place the Christmas tree outside in a bucket of water for a few days. This will help him relax and stay fresh longer in your home.
- You can also water your tree after setting it up by placing it in about 1 to 2 liters of water. However, do not use potting soil or sand for this, as this will clog the pores of its bark and make it difficult for it to absorb water. There are also special Christmas tree stands in which you can pour water, although it is important to constantly refill it.
- Another care tip before putting up your Christmas tree is to saw off the bottom 3cm of its trunk. This also helps keep the pores of the bark open for better water absorption.
- Although this is a logical measure, you should not store the Christmas tree near heat sources as this will cause it to dry out more quickly.
- Also try to regularly ventilate the living space chosen for this purpose and provide normal room conditions for the Christmas tree. Do not subject it to drastic temperature changes and expect it to last approximately five weeks after felling.
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