Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2006/January 2007 | Page 50

FEATURE

Can’t see Christmas
for the trees
One of our biggest symbols of Christmas is the ‘Christmas Tree’.
Most of us will have one in our homes and nearly all towns and
villages will have a tree illuminated in their centres. What are the
origins of this important Christmas feature. Tony Ridd explains…
We imagine that because we do
something today, it has been part
of our history for centuries, if not
thousands of years – this is not quite
the case with our Christmas Tree.
In the 7th century a monk from
Devon went to Germany to spread
the Word of God. Legend has it
that he used the triangular shape
of the fir tree to describe the Holy
Trinity of God the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit. By the 12th century
it was being hung upside down,
from ceilings at Christmas time as a
symbol of Christianity.
The first decorated tree was in
Latvia, 1510 and by the mid 16th
century Christmas markets were
set up in Germany selling gifts,
food and practical household items.
At the fairs bakers made shaped
gingerbreads and wax ornaments
for people to buy and hang on their
Christmas Trees.
The first English Christmas Tree
was introduced by the Georgian
Kings who came over from
Germany. However, it wasn’t until
the mid 19th century when Queen
Victoria and Prince Albert made
them popular. A temporary lull
in Christmas Trees hit Britain in
the war years as it was forbidden
to cut trees down for decoration.
Imitation trees became fashionable
for a while, but since the 1970’s the
‘traditional’ Christmas Tree has seen
a steady rise in popularity.
Today demand is as strong as ever,
and this is evident in the amount of
tree plantations on the island and
the number of Christmas Tree sellers

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that spring up in the preceding
weeks before December 25th.

What type of tree
Norway Spruce is the tree we most
commonly associate with Christmas,
but there are many others. If you
are looking for something a little
different why not try Noble fir
– dark bluish foliage, subtly spicy
aroma and non-drop needles,
Lodgepole Pine – a favourite tree in
Scotland, easy to dress a different
style of tree, Serbian Spruce
– a graceful tree with thin arching
branches, Nordmann Fir – Britain’s
favourite tree as it has soft glossy
needles that don’t drop, Blue Spruce
– bushy shape and foliage with a
distinctive pine fragrance or even
seen Scots Pine which I have seen
being grown by one Island supplier
has long curling needles with little
cones. A newcomer to this market
is Fraser Fir, having dark green
foliage a rich balsam fragrance and
again non-drop needles.

triangular and not too fat at the
bottom, four good sides, reasonable
density of foliage and general
cleanliness and freedom from moss
and lichens. Expect to pay top rates
for a good premium tree with lower
grade trees being cheaper.
Having bought your tree, stand it
outside in water until you are ready
to decorate it. When you bring it in

to the house, place it away from the
radiator and keep the water topped
up. A stand that takes water is very
important if you are keeping the tree
in the house for more than a couple
of weeks. Trees without water
won’t last nearly as long.
Enjoy decorating, and remember
to recycle it after Christmas.

The splendid Christmas tree
on show at Osborne House.

What to look for
Choosing and buying your tree is
similar to buying cut flowers. You
need to know how long ago it was
cut and has it been given water
since? An old or drying out tree will
show signs of needle wilt and drop,
even if it’s a non-drop variety.
Trees are graded by growers as
they grow in the field from premium
to low quality. Premium Christmas
trees having a nice regular shape,

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