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Article: From Pagans to Presidents - The Christmas Tree Tradition.
- Article from:
- The World and I
- Article date:
- December 1, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 News World Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The pungent smell of conifer in the wintry air, snow and twinkling lights, merry carolers and romping children all bring to mind an American Christmas. The Christmas tree is an inseparable part of this contemporary scene, but broad acceptance of the tradition occurred only during the twentieth century in this country. The custom is so deeply rooted within our collective unconscious that when asked about the origins of the Christmas tree, most Americans will simply answer, "It's a tradition."
Where did the custom of decorating evergreen trees with ornaments at Christmas originate? The answer is not simple. Tracing customs back into the murk of time is a difficult ...