For many people, Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays, and while we may think we know everything about it, there’s so much about this magical event that still can leave us speechless. Read this article and surprise your friends with these unusual facts!
The Christmas tree we know today originated in the late Middle Ages in western Germany. On December 24, they used to stage plays about Adam and Eve. An essential component of each performance was a “tree of paradise” decorated with apples (referring to the forbidden fruit in Eden), wafers (associated with redemption), and the “Star of Bethlehem” at the top. Later, people started to place such trees in their homes. Germans spread this tradition across Europe and made it popular in the U.S. in the 19th century.
Christmas Trees in Different Countries
❄ In Japan, people sometimes decorate Christmas trees with beautiful handmade origami of animals, birds, Santa Clauses, and other symbols of Christmas. From Christmas to New Year, the Japanese also create traditional decorations called kadomatsu that may be placed outside, near the entrance of their homes. They’re usually made of three bamboo or pine sticks tied with straw rope. Such a composition is thought to welcome Toshigami, a deity that brings good luck for the coming year, into the house. In January, fine decorations are burned to please the kami. By the way, the kadomatsu even has an emoji of its own:🎍.
❄ In Sweden, there’s a tradition of decorating the Christmas tree with straw stars, snowflakes, hearts, and animals. Straw goats are especially important: according to an old Christmas tradition, young people would visit different farms, playing and singing, and get rewarded with food and drinks. Some of them were dressed as goats and used straw masks. Over time, the custom has changed. In the 19th century, a man in a goat costume would give out presents. This symbolized the Yule goat, known as Julebukk or Julbock in Scandinavian countries. The name transformed into Joulupukki in Finnish and is now used to refer to the Finnish Santa Claus.
âť„ Warm countries are uncomfortable for spruces, so people may use palms as Christmas trees there. They may be embellished with LED lights, colorful ribbons, paper figures, etc. In Brazil, you may see puffs of cotton or cotton plants used as decorations, as this material is reminiscent of snow.
Christmas Tree Records
The Guinness World Records book contains some astonishing facts related to these festive centerpieces.
âť„ Are you willing to spend $11,026,900 on a Christmas tree? Well, the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi was up to the challenge. In 2010, its tree could boast 181 items of jewelry.
âť„ The tallest cut tree was presented in 1950 at Northgate Center shopping mall in Seattle. It was 221 ft (67.36 m) high.
âť„ David Rush balanced with a Christmas tree on his chin for 1 hour 30 minutes and 5 seconds. This unusual exercise took place in Idaho in 2021.
❄ The oldest artificial Christmas tree is kept in the UK. It has seen three centuries, passed down through the generations of Paul Parker’s family since 1886.
❄ A very unusual Christmas tree consisted of… 4,030 people, mostly school students. This record took place in 2015 in India.
âť„ While some spend days decorating their Christmas trees, Sam Homewood needed only 34.52 seconds. The record was set on the show Scrambled! in the UK in 2018.
We hope your Christmas tree will strike everyone with its refined beauty! May you enjoy the best Christmas of your life!