Christmas Trees!

O Tannenbaum!

The Christmas tree tradition found in most American households was actually developed in 16th century Germany. The first records of the Christmas tree being used for it's modern purpose was in the Renaissance era guild houses. The trees would be set up on Christmas day and covered with sweets for the apprentices and children. After the Reformation the Christmas tree began to appear in the houses of upper class Protestant families. From here the tradition disseminated to the masses. During the 18th century candles were introduced to illuminate the tree. The biggest factor to the spread of the Christmas tree in Germany was the decision of the German army to put one in every barracks during the 1870-1871 war. In the 19th century the tree was generally accepted as an expression of German "Gemütlichkeit," or comfort. When Germans immigrated to the United States, they brought this beautiful tradition with them, where it rapidly spread throughout the country.

-Erik