It's hard to imagine 26 million households at Christmas time in Germany without it: the Christmas tree. You would like to buy a Christmas tree in a stately and attractive size and set it up beautifully in the living room, where it is hung with all sorts of red and gold accessories and, for example, traditionally illuminated with real candles. The Christmas tree is admired and contemplated for about two weeks, and for two weeks a Christmas tree becomes the center of the home in all its splendor. For this purpose, the fir trees are grown on large plantations. Hardly any trees are actually felled in the forest anymore. Ultimately, the Christmas tree ends up chopped up in the chimney in January or is picked up by the municipal utilities or the fire department after Epiphany. The trees are usually burned afterwards. More than two thirds of the domestic demand for fir trees is produced through cultivation on plantations. According to kn-online, the Nordmann fir, whose homeland is mostly in the Caucasus, is very popular. The German tree nurseries collect the seeds there and grow them in local areas. At the age of three, the trees are planted in the field and allowed to continue to grow naturally. A tree needs up to ten years of intensive care before it can shine with lights on Christmas Eve.
The artificial fir as an alternative
One of the most striking advantages of an artificial Christmas tree is that it can easily be reused year after year. Ecologically it is therefore certainly undeniable. Due to the high-quality workmanship, the difference between an artificial Christmas tree and a real model can hardly be seen today. For the Christmas trees in this overview The exclusive True NeedleTM technology is used to create a realistic impression. This is particularly true for higher-quality models that are visually based on existing fir species, which in turn is achieved by suppliers using special manufacturing techniques. In addition, artificial firs are usually perceived as being much more shapely, almost idealized in their upright, straight “growth”. The price advantage cannot be ignored either. Since the purchase of an artificial fir tree is usually only a one-off purchase if it is treated as needed, there will be more budget in the long term for gifts to be given to loved ones. A lot of time has been spent looking for the right tree, because you want to buy a perfectly fitting Christmas tree that ultimately needs to be transported home somehow. In many households there are still carpets or rugs in the living rooms. With a freshly felled tree, which becomes drier as time goes on, you always have to deal with the fallen needles. This aspect is also eliminated with an artificial fir. In terms of safety, artificial fir can also win because it is not only very stable, but also very flame-retardant.
The disadvantages of artificial trees
The lack of scent is seen as one of the biggest disadvantages of an artificial fir. After all, the idea of a perfect Christmas also includes the aromas of pine that fill the house. An artificial tree doesn't do that, an artificial fir isn't real. ParticularlyExtravagant examples are even made of acrylicmanufactured. This is why traditional or older people in particular refuse to sing their songs under an artificial fir tree on Christmas Eve because they grew up with really fragrant, freshly felled trees.
Traditional trees
Without ever being talked about much, the Christmas tree is an integral part of traditional Christmas, and not just in Germany. Just like tangerines, oranges, gingerbread and candles, it is part of Christian Christmas culture. The Christmas season is a contemplative time, one in which people retreat into their homes and become a little quieter. But where does the tradition of having a tree in the Christmas room actually come from?
Small Christmas tree
For around 80 percent of all Germans, the Christmas tree with tinsel and peppernuts and a Christmas tree topper is the symbolic center of the celebration. Where the custom comes from is rather irrelevant, because ultimately the birth of Jesus, the actual reason for Christmas celebrations, has also faded into the background for most people. Many people just enjoy the days off, being with their loved ones and the opportunity to pamper themselves and their loved ones and give them beautiful things. Even some followers of the Islamic faith use the Christmas period to get together with their families and some families also celebrate under the Christmas tree.
The custom is now also popular in Asia
The custom of the Christmas tree has already reached Asia, but there it is more of a decoration for immigrant Europeans. Like many church festivals, Christmas also contains pagan elements, i.e. cultural assets that were borrowed from the pagan cycle and customs. The Christmas tree also has its origins in pagan customs. In the Middle Ages, people decorated their houses with evergreen branches from the mistletoe plant or fir tree. In the 16th century, Alsatians first began decorating their trees with sweets at Christmas time, and in the 18th century, candles on trees were introduced to Europe. The Christmas tree began its triumphal march in the 19th century, when it was first set up in public places, first in cities and later in village squares. The first hand-blown Christmas tree balls and a kind of tinsel soon appeared. The tinsel was intended to imitate the glitter of icicles in nature. Based on the customs of Protestant families, the fir tree became established as a Christmas decoration in middle-class households. Initially, the Catholic Church opposed the new pagan custom, describing it as an “anti-nativity scene”. Since the middle of the 20th century, Christmas trees have also been found in Catholic churches. It was not until 1982 that Pope John Paul allowed a Christmas tree to be set up in St. Peter's Square.
