HOW CHRISTMAS TREES STARTED

Among the Christmas decorations that we use, it is the Christmas tree that literally stands out. The joy and spirit of Christmas  usually starts with the whole family decorating the Christmas tree. It becomes the family's opportunity to bond, share ideas and plans for the coming Christmas, and show their creativity.
Do you know how the Christmas tree started as one of the most commonly used Christmas decoration around the world?
It is said that in the 7th century, a monk from Devonshire went to Germany to spread the word of God. He used the triangular shape of the Fir tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God which is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. People then started to call the Fir tree as the tree of God. In the 12th century in Europe,  being known as the symbol of Christianity, people hung Fir tree on the ceiling upside down and this was being done during Yuletide season. In the early 1500's, people in Riga, Latvia were the first who decorated the tree. It is said that Martin Luther who was the first person who put the Christmas tree indoor and decorated it with candles, this was to show his children how the stars at night looked like when being viewed in the forest. In the 17th century, the Christmas tree came to England. They put several small trees on their tables, one for each member of the family with their gifts being put under his or her tree. In 1846, the Christmas tree became popular not only in Britain but also in East Coast of America, that is when people saw Queen Victoria and Prince Albert post for the magazine, Illustrated London News standing with their children around the Christmas tree.  In the 1860's small toys were being hung on the branches of the Christmas tree as decoration. In 1870's putting glass ornaments on the Christmas tree became a status symbol in Britain and in 1880's it became the measure of Social standing as Christmas trees during this time became taller. In 1900's, artificial but real looking Christmas trees were used, decorated with balls and ribbons.

Some Amazing facts about Christmas trees:

- King Tut never saw a Christmas tree. this was according to David Robson an Extension Educator at Springfield Extension Center.
- Egyptians treasure and worshiped Evergreens
- Druids place Evergreen branches over their doors to keep away evil spirits.
- In 1850's Christmas trees were being sold commercially in the United States.
- Among the best selling Christmas trees were the Douglas Fir, Virginia pine, Scotch pine, Noble fir, Fraser fir, White pine and the balsam fir.
- Real Christmas trees remove dust and pollen in the air.
-  Real Christmas tree shouldn't be burn in fireplaces as this can build up cresolate buildup.
- Artificial Christmas trees will last for 6 years but will last for centuries in a landfill.
- For environmental reason, President Theodore Roosevelt of USA banned the use of Christmas tree in White House.
- The first US President to put Christmas tree in White House was the 14th President, Franklin Pierce.
- 80 percent of the artificial Christmas tree were produced in China.
- Most artificial Christmas trees were made of metals and plastics typically PVC which are potential source of hazardous lead.
- Fake trees were first invented by a company who made toilet bowl brushes.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CANDY CANES SYMBOLIZES?

Do you know why candy canes becomes one of the commonly used Christmas decoration? In the late 1600's, candy canes becomes popular, and it was when a choirmaster in Cologne Cathedral, distributed freely white candy sticks to children who attended long ceremonies at the Cathedral. This was eventually bent to become like a shepherds stuff. America was introduced to this candy stick in 1800's. In 1950, a man from Atlanta, Georgia named Bob McCormack make candy canes for his family and friends. With the popularity of candy canes, a Catholic priest, named Gregory Keller who was the brother-in-law of Bob, invented a machine that will mass produce candy canes. It was named Bob's Candies Inc. which then became the largest producer of candy canes. 
It is said that candy canes is associated with Jesus Christ. Candies are hard that could represent the church which is built upon a rock. Jesus is our shepherd. Shepherds uses cane or it can also represent the shepherds who visited the newborn baby Jesus.  Usually candy canes were decorated with red and white stripes. The red stripes represents Jesus' blood that saves mankind and white represents our pure and sinless Jesus Christ. Turning the candy cane upside down and it will form the letter J which is the initial of the name of Jesus Christ. The candy maker made this candy canes to remind us what Christmas is all about.

KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE

The picture shown above are property of theri rightful owner. No copyright infringement intended special thanks to Mr. David Tribble thru Wikipedia

Do you know why there are people kissing under the mistletoe during Christmas? During Christmas it has been said that young men had the privilege of kissing a young woman under the mistletoe. This thing had become a tradition in other parts of the world and has been going on for ages. For those who don't know what a mistletoe is, well, it is an hemi-parasitic evergreen plant with white berries they grows on branches or trunks of a tree but are also capable to grow on their own. There are two types of mistletoe, the Phoradendron flavescens and the Viscum album.  European and North American species are commercially harvested f to be use as Christmas decorations. It has been said that early Europeans used mistletoe as ceremonial plants. Greeks believed that mistletoe had mystical powers. Scandinavia is said to be the origin of that tradition of kissing under the mistletoe.  It is known as a plant of peace by ancient Scandinavians. According to Christmas customs , any two people who meet under a hanging mistletoe should kiss and  such kiss could mean a lasting friendship or a deep romance. It is believe that a couple who kissed under the mistletoe will soon marry and will have a happy and long life. This custom is still being done in many European countries. These days, artificial mistletoes are used to decorate our houses during Christmas season.

WHO IS SANTA CLAUS???

Christmas is in the air and one of the most Christmas figure is Santa Claus. Santa Claus also known as Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, St. Nick, St. Nicholas, Santa or Sinterklaas in Dutch. He is known to us as the fat, jolly man with white beard who wears a red suit with white fur, black belt and black boots. Legend tells us that he lives in North Pole together with his wife and his magical elves that help him in making toys for children as his gift but did you know that the true Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was born sometime in 280 AD in the village of Patara ( Southern Coast of modern day Turkey). He became an orphan at a very young age. His parents died of an epidemic. He was taught by his parents to be a God fearing child. He inherited all the wealth left by his parents which he used to help the needy. At a young age, he was made Bishop of Myra because of his devotion to the Lord.
During the time of Roman Emperor Diocletian, Saint Nicholas was imprisoned. He attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 after his released. He died in December 6, 343 AD and was then buried at a cathedral in Myra and at his grave, a unique relic was formed and was named manna. December 6, which is the date of his death became his feast day (December 19 in the Julian calendar). Today, he is also known as the patron saint of children and sailors.
Saint Nicholas have been linked with many legends. One of his well known story is the story of a poor man with 3 daughters. These woman were supposed to be sold to slavery by their father who couldn't afford their dowry for them to get marry but mysteriously on three different occasions, a bag of gold was seen at their home, providing the amount needed for dowries. It is said that the bag of gold was tossed in the open window and landed on a stocking placed near the fireplace to dry. This is how the custom of children hanging stockings waiting for gifts from Santa Claus. How about the Santa climbing on the chimney? It is said that on the third time that he had to toss the bag of gold into the window of the poor man, it was closed so he instead climb up the chimney and there he dropped the bag of gold.

PAROL: THE FILIPINO CHRISTMAS LANTERN

Philippines is the only country in Asia where Christianity is predominant.
Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the Philippines. Several business establishments and companies plays Christmas carols as early as September. We Filipinos started to decorate our homes with Christmas ornaments as early as October and Christmas decorations won't be complete with hanging a Parol outside the house. 
What is a Parol?  A parol is a star like Christmas lanterns used by Filipinos as ornament during Christmas season. They are traditionally made with bamboo and papel de hapon ( Japanese paper ).
The parol was created to symbolize the star that guided the 3 kings ( or should I say three astronomers) to Bethlehem were Jesus Christ was born.
It is said that the first parol was made by  Filipino artisan, Francisco Estanislao of San Fernando, Pampanga in the late 1920's. The new generation parol were now made of plastic materials, capiz or seashells, stained glass, etc.. There are also new different shapes of parol aside from the traditional star shape such as flower, angels, bells and snowflakes.
San Fernando in Pampanga is known as the Christmas lantern capital of the Philippines. This where you can see colorful and skillfully made parols being sold almost all over the town . It is where the evolution of Parol started. San Fernando is also the place where you can see giant lanterns. A giant lantern festival is being held annually in San Fernando during December and is locally called " LIGLIGAN PAROL" . It is a competition of giant parols and every barrio in San Fernando participate. The height of the entries were as high as 20 feet and is made with plastic materials and was being illuminated by thousands of light bulbs.This is one of the amazing things in the Philippines that was included in the Guinness Book of World Records.





Nowadays, several companies, schools and organizations in the Philippines also hold christmas lantern making contest which requires participants to use indigenous materials such as bamboo, pet bottles, plastics, straws, bottle caps, cans, and other garbage materials.
Are you done dressing your homes with Christmas decorations?