Lessons; symbolic

Symbolic meaning of the Christmass tree, Christian

Trees play in history of mankind always an important role. All cultures in the past had some myth about the tree. The tree had a role as middle point of the world. The tree has a meaning as a living axe which reached the heaven. Because the tree in its cycles of the year became green again and give seed it became a symbol for life, fertility and ripeness. Also it had a meaning as a symbol of the dead and life. About the tree is written in the book of Genesis, there it is a tree of life, knowledge of good and bad. Well known is the tree in the garden of Eden were Adam and Eve after taking the forbidden fruits became mortal man. Another well known tree is the may tree what also is a symbol of fertility. The Easter tree and the palm Easter tree also play today a role in our life. In history the tree often was seen as holy and worshipped. Green branches and trees also play a role today for many in their day life.

The Christmas tree is since the sixteenth century in use as Christmas decoration. Probably it started in Germany in the surrounding of Strasburg, ways now French. First as a green tree only and later also decorated with red bows. Decorations with candle light is seen from the begin of 1800, because of the risk of fire it is changes later for artificial light. Those days the tree is decorated in many different ways, often in relationship with the ruling trends at that moment. Also artificial Christmas trees are quite popular for many, but the real tree wins it easy because the natural scent and the look of the real tree is most attractive. 

There are many trees sold with roots on. This gives us the possibility to plant the tree after Christmas in the garden. After a long and dry period in the house the tree is weak and can loose needles. You can have success  if you take care for next; buy a tree with good roots and in a large container; let the tree for a week in a cold barn to use to another climate; do not cut the top from the tree; give the tree water regularly; do not let the tree too long inside the house. Let the tree use to the climate outside step by step. If the tree is planted outside give the tree water frequently to prevent it against drying out. Some loss of needles is no problem. You only can plant the tree in the garden when it is not below zero. Species for the garden: Abies nordmanniana and Picea pungens.

Some tips for trees without roots:
There is a big difference in the quality of the Christmas tree. There as species who loose needles quickly and others who do not. Often used is the Picea abies.
Save the tree till using it in a cool place and put the lower part of the stem in water.
There are products to prevent loosing needles, it seems. You can use it if you wish and add it to the water. Refill the water daily. Put the tree in a cool place in the house if possible and put under it plastic of a cloth for falling needles. It is helpful to clean the house after taking the tree out. Check the lights before you fix them in the tree.

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Last update of this page 23.05.2004