A Brief History of Christmas Trees in the USA
The Christmas tree is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season, but how did this festive fir find its way into American homes? While the tradition of decorating evergreen trees dates back centuries in Europe, its journey to becoming an American staple is a fascinating story of cultural exchange, large community displays, and evolving traditions.
This post will explore the history of the Christmas tree, from its early European origins to its prominent place in modern American holiday celebrations.
The Roots of the Tradition
The use of evergreen trees to celebrate winter festivals has ancient roots. Pagans used branches to decorate their homes during the winter solstice, symbolizing life in the midst of the cold and dark. The modern Christmas tree tradition, however, began in 16th-century Germany.
German Christians decorated trees with candles, apples, and nuts. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, one of the first written records of a decorated Christmas tree comes from Riga, Latvia, in 1510. Another early account from 1605 describes a tree in Strasbourg, France (then German territory), decorated with paper roses, apples, and candies.
Christmas Trees Arrive in America
The Christmas tree tradition was brought to the United States by German settlers. One of the earliest records dates to 1747 in a German Moravian settlement in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. However, instead of a real tree, they built wooden pyramids and decorated them with evergreen branches and candles.
The custom remained relatively contained within German-American communities for many years. It wasn't until the 19th century that the Christmas tree gained widespread popularity. Much of this was due to Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert. A widely circulated image of the royal family with their decorated Christmas tree in the 1840s sparked a trend on both sides of the Atlantic.
By 1851, Christmas trees were being sold commercially in the United States. Mark Carr is credited with opening the first retail Christmas tree lot in New York City, bringing trees down from the Catskills.
From Forests to Farms
Initially, trees were simply cut down from local forests. As demand grew, concerns about deforestation arose. In the early 1900s, conservationists began to worry about the overharvesting of evergreens.
This concern led to the creation of Christmas tree farms. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the first one was started in 1901 by W.V. McGalliard in New Jersey, who planted 25,000 Norway spruces. This practice ensured a sustainable supply of trees without depleting natural forests. Today, approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S., nearly all of which come from dedicated farms.
Decorations Through the Decades
Early American Christmas trees were decorated modestly, often with homemade ornaments, popcorn strings, and candles—a practice that was quite a fire hazard. The first glass ornaments were imported from Germany in the late 1800s. Around 1883, Sears, Roebuck & Co. began selling the first artificial Christmas trees.
The invention of electric tree lights made decorating safer and more brilliant. Over time, decorations became more elaborate, reflecting changing tastes and manufacturing capabilities.
Community and Holiday Spirit
Beyond individual homes, the Christmas tree has become a powerful symbol of community.
Perhaps the most famous community tree is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City, a tradition that has drawn crowds since the 1930s. These public displays bring people together, spreading holiday cheer and serving as iconic backdrops for seasonal festivities.
Our Enduring Tradition
From its origins in German settlements to its prominent role in community spaces like Rockefeller Center or Union Square, the Christmas tree has become a cherished part of American culture. It represents the blending of traditions and the evolution of a holiday that brings light and joy to the darkest time of year. Whether a towering public spectacle or a humble tree in a living room, it continues to be a symbol of warmth, family, and holiday spirit.
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