For the first time, the Christmas tree was decorated in Germany. The tradition is believed to have originated from the reformer Martin Luther. According to legends, in 1513 he returned home and admired the sky in which the stars were shining. He had the feeling that the stars were sparkling even on the branches of the trees.
When Martin got home, he immediately decided to reproduce the picture that he saw. He took a small Christmas tree and put it on the table, decorating with candles. I installed a star on the top, which reminded of the Star of Bethlehem.
The history of the holiday tree
in the 16th century there was a tradition in the countries of Central Europe to decorate a beech tree. Pears, plums and apples were used as decorations. The fruits were pre-cooked in honey. Nuts were also used as decorations. A small tree was placed in the center of the table.
After several decades, conifers began to be used as well. The main thing is that they are small. Sometimes holiday trees were hung from the ceiling. Then they began to put big trees in the living room.
In the period from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the Christmas tree began to be decorated not only in Germany, but also in England, Denmark, Holland, the Czech Republic and Austria. Subsequently, the Americans adopted the tradition. Initially, fruits and sweets were used as decorations. Subsequently, people began to cut cardboard decorations. And even later, glass toys were created.
The history of the Christmas tree in Russia
The tradition came to Russia thanks to Peter 1. He visited Germany in his youth, where he saw a festive tree decorated with various toys, fruits and sweets. Having become the king, he did everything possible so that the inhabitants of Russia began to decorate the Christmas trees. Decorated trees appeared on the streets and in the homes of the nobility.
After the death of Peter 1, the tradition of decorating trees was forgotten for several decades. The custom appeared again only in 1817 thanks to the wife of Prince Nikolai Pavlovich - Princess Charlotte. At first, it was customary to decorate festive tables with branches and bouquets.
A few years later, the tree appeared in the Anichkov Palace. Established it under the influence of Charlotte. In 1852, the first Christmas tree appeared in a public place - in the premises of the Catherine Station. It was after this that almost all residents of the country began to decorate the Christmas trees. In addition, festive events for children began to be held.
In the war years, they decided to abandon the installation of Christmas trees, tk. the tradition was hostile. The ban was introduced by Nicholas II. The decree was canceled after the end of the October Revolution. A large New Year tree was installed on the territory of the artillery school. This event took place in 1917.
But after 9 years, the custom was again banned. The tradition was called anti-Soviet. In addition, the celebration of Christmas was banned. Ten years later, the tradition was revived again. They began to decorate the Christmas tree, holding festive events for children. They decided to revive the tradition with the support of Stalin.
The Christmas tree has been installed on the territory of the Kremlin since 1976. The tree originally symbolized Christmas. However, it later became an attribute of the New Year holidays.
Whole eras could be tracked by Christmas tree decorations in Russia. On the trees one could see pioneers with horns, portraits of Politburo workers. When the war came, toys with weapons, decorations in the form of paratroopers and medical orderlies began to be hung on the trees. Subsequently, people began to carve snowflakes, which depicted a hammer and sickle. In the days of Khrushchev, toys in the form of corn, tractors and hockey players were hung on trees.
