The history of the Christmas tree – and how to rent a living one in Luxembourg

History

Christmas trees are far from being a solely Luxembourgish tradition and are firmly established across many cultures. The Christmas tree we are familiar with today probably has its origins in pagan tradition. At the time of the winter solstice, people brought these trees into their homes. These green branches were a sign of life, believed to drive away winter spirits and they promised protection and fertility.

In the late Middle Ages, Christianity found its way into the mix: the church depicted biblical scenes as a means of teaching uneducated worshippers. A green tree with an apple was not originally a Christmas prop - but a means of describing the story of Adam and Eve, and the fateful serpent. Over time, this "tree of paradise" developed a connection to the Christmas story - and is now seen as the archetype of the Christmas tree later decorated with golden nuts, biscuits and baubles.

But the transition from pagan evergreen branches to a modern, decorated Christmas tree seems to have first begun in southwest Germany. A Christmas tree was first decorated with tinsel in Nuremberg in 1878: the thin, mostly golden or silver metal threads were meant to look like glittering icicles.

A Christmas tree filled with tinsel, indeed looking like glittering icicles. Very old-school as many people nowadays prefer baubles over tinsel. / © Unsplash

Emigrants and German soldiers who fought as mercenaries in the Revolutionary War also made the practice popular in North America across the course of the 19th century. By 1891, a "Christmas Tree" stood in front of the White House in Washington for the first time.

The tradition of another famous Christmas tree has its origins in the Second World War: the tree on Trafalgar Square in London always comes from Norway. It is meant to commemorate the joint struggle of the two countries against Nazi Germany.

During Christmas time

Now that we've established that Christmas trees originally had nothing to do with Christmas in the first place, we should take a closer look at what makes a tree a Christmas tree, starting with the proper timeline.

For many people, Christmas starts on December 1 - as they start to decorate their homes and eventually procure a tree around mid-December. While everyone is, of course, free to choose when and what to bring into their dwelling during the festive season, there are fixed dates. Dates that barely anyone follows.

According to German culture, traditionally, the Christmas tree is put up and decorated on 24 December - so that it shines in its full glory on Christmas Eve.

But many people put up their Christmas tree on 23 December. This has a practical benefit: it allows branches - trapped during packing and transport - to unfurl beautifully overnight. 4th Advent (24 December) is also a good day in some families to hoist the Christmas tree into its tree stand.

The Christmas tree is then traditionally taken down on 6 January (the Twelfth Night) and taken out of the flat or house and disposed of - as this is when the Christmas season ends in the Christian tradition. In some Catholic households, however, the tree remains until 2 February, otherwise known as Candlemas.

Real or fake Christmas tree?

Considering the current state of our planet and the urge to make better choices - while still wishing to indulge in the holiday spirit - one question may arise: is it better to buy a real tree that lasts for a few weeks, or a plastic tree that lasts (maybe) a decade or more?

An average-sized Christmas tree takes around 7 years to grow and in that time they absorb carbon and can use up to 10 times fewer resources than factories that build artificial trees. Real trees are also much easier to recycle and can be repurposed after their lifespan as a Christmas tree.

In Luxembourg, you can rent

However, we're pleased to 'deliver' an alternative right here in Luxembourg: for between €80 and €150, it is possible to rent a Christmas tree from Becker- Bamschoul throughout the holiday season. You'll receive a live Christmas tree in a pot, with free curbside delivery - as well as free, post-holiday collection starting on 8 January.

Simply visit the Becker-Bamschoul tree nursery (27a Rue Paul Eyschen, 7317 Steinsel) or give a call to their "Christmas Tree mobile phone" at +352 691 500 993 and choose your tree for later delivery. The prices for each tree will be clearly marked by tags.

A few tips for maintaining the happiest Christmas tree 'guest' this time of year: 

• Keep the tree at a room temperature and try not to place it right next to any heat-producing devices (like a radiator). Remember, these trees are essentially outdoor cats that are simply visiting for the holidays
• Water your tree regularly and sufficiently. Nothing sadder than a dried-up tree in a pot
• Refrain from decorating your tree with artificial snow foam, as tempting as this may be
• Do not cut the tip of the tree. An overly-tall, Christmas tree ceiling-graze never hurt anybody

Deliveries are organised by region, so you may need a bit of flexibility in terms of dates. For those of us who can't heft a giant tree up three flights of stairs, Becker-Bamschoul will also provide this service for an additional fee of €25. However, depending on how high up those stairs go, there might be some restrictions on the size of the tree you can choose. You'll also receive a €7 voucher from Becker-Bamschoul for leaving the tree outside to collect at the end of the season.

Not only is this a blessing for those who hate sweeping pine nettles - or for whom the sight of a dying piece of nature in their living room causes psychic harm - but it is also seen as an ecological and ethical project by Becker-Bamschoul. After serving as decoration, the tree then has a year to rest before it gets rented out again. Retired trees will then get donated to municipalities or planted in a forest where they can enjoy the rest of their lives in nature.

© Unsplash

Wishing you a happy holiday from RTL Today, no matter the tree you choose!