Have you ever wondered what the meaning of christmas tree? This tradition became a universal symbol over time, beyond its ornamental value. Let’s see what this is about.
Many of us usually place a pine tree, which we decorate with different elements, in our homes to celebrate Christmas. Many times it may be because it is a tradition that was taught to us since we were children. However, the meaning of this custom arose a long time ago.
Origins of the Christmas tree
According to some historians who study the paganism and Christianity, among which Fernando Casullo stands out, the origin of the Christmas tree has a religious connotation.
On the other hand, some researchers suggest that it was the Celts in northern Europe who used trees to symbolize their gods. This symbolized the birth of the god of fertility and the sun, which is why this culture decorated the tree on certain dates.
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However, these celebrations coincided with some Christian-tinged traditions, which is why a syncretism began to occur between pagan and Christian celebrations. It is said that Saint Boniface, an English missionary who went to evangelize Germany between 608 and 754, was the one who started the tradition that we know today.
According to these theories, he is said to have cut down the oak tree where pagans offered sacrifices to the Celtic god, Odin, and replaced it with a fir tree. Furthermore, he decorated it to represent the eternal love of the Christian God.
On the other hand, it is also reported that over time in Germany, decorating trees with fruits that represented paradise, as well as with candles to symbolize Jesus, was promoted. It was from this region that it spread to the Scandinavian countries and then to the rest of Europe.
The first Christmas tree in Mexico
In December 1864, the Mexican aristocracy who frequently attended the Castle chapultepec She was amazed by the beauty of a tree adorned in its branches with various decorations to celebrate Christmas.
No opulent woman or man in Mexico had seen anything like it until then, because although the Christmas tree years ago had already been named by the catholic church as the “tree of Christ” and recognized as part of the Christmas celebrations, the custom of placing it had barely reached Europe and North America.
And yes, those in charge of bringing that first Christmas tree to Mexico were the emperors Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife Charlottewho wanted to create a European atmosphere in their residence in Mexico, which as we already said was the Chapultepec castle.
It is valid to get to think that the National Palace, located in the heart of the Zócalo, It may have been the first place that gave shelter to that first Christmas tree in Mexico.
If it weren’t for the fact that a year earlier, when the emperors arrived in Mexico, they rejected that enclosure after spending a stormy first night bitten by a plague of bedbugs, to such an extent that it is said that Maximilian had to sleep on a pool table.
By 1865 the newly arrived imperial fashion of placing a Christmas tree at Chapultepec Castle derived from the death of Leopold I, King of Belgium and father of Charlotte, a death that forced a national mourning to be imposed, however the ornament was placed.
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History does not say much about whether the Christmas decoration was installed in 1866, however what is certain is that by Christmas 1867 it was no longer installed because six months ago Maximiliano had been shot to death in Querétarowith which the empire had come to an end.
Options to buy Christmas trees
If you’re wondering where to get a Christmas tree this year? We can tell you that there are various places where you can find the ideal ones to celebrate this great tradition at home.
- Christmas Tree Forest, in Amecameca, State of Mexico.
- Christmas Tree Pilot Center, Ajusco, CDMX.
- Rancho Tres Encinos, Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico.
- Toxtepec Bioárbol, San Miguel Topilejo, Tlalpan, CDMX.
- Leonardo Flores Gardens and Nurseries, Álvaro Obregón, CDMX.
Other options that you can locate in the country’s capital are the neighborhood markets that exist in the various municipalities. Since if you want to opt for something more environmentally friendly, there are also various possibilities.
Eco-friendly options:
- Recycled cardboard tree.
- Recycled wood tree.
- Metal tree.
- Book tree.
- Wine bottle tree.
- Branch tree.
- Potted pine.
Choose the option that best suits you or pleases you because Christmas is already around the corner.