Paradiesbaum
In the 'land of my fathers' the Paradise Tree (known now as a Christmas tree) was hung with apples and wafers, to symbolise the fruits of the tree of knowledge, and the Redemption. German migrants spread the practice across England and America. Now everybody is at it.
Like many European Christian traditions, the fir tree has Pagan origins, when a tree would be brought inside, in preparation for Yule, to symbolise eternal life, fertility, and the return of life after the long winter.
This might sound odd given that I am of a 'certain age', but this is the first time I have gone out to buy a tree and dress it all myself. It's been fun and a learning experience. For other Weinachtsbaum virgins, the trick is to put the lights on first (and test them!), then the angel on top, then the tinsel, and the baubles on last.
Paradiesbaum
In the 'land of my fathers' the Paradise Tree (known now as a Christmas tree) was hung with apples and wafers, to symbolise the fruits of the tree of knowledge, and the Redemption. German migrants spread the practice across England and America. Now everybody is at it.
Like many European Christian traditions, the fir tree has Pagan origins, when a tree would be brought inside, in preparation for Yule, to symbolise eternal life, fertility, and the return of life after the long winter.
This might sound odd given that I am of a 'certain age', but this is the first time I have gone out to buy a tree and dress it all myself. It's been fun and a learning experience. For other Weinachtsbaum virgins, the trick is to put the lights on first (and test them!), then the angel on top, then the tinsel, and the baubles on last.