Martin's - Christmas

The History of Christmas Lights

The tradition of using small candles to light up the Christmas tree dates back to at least the middle of the XVIIth century. However, it took two centuries for the tradition to become widely established first in Germany and soon spreading to Eastern Europe.

The First Christmas Light

Candles for the tree were glued with melted wax to a tree branch or attached by pins. Around 1890, candleholders were first used for Christmas candles. Between 1902 and 1914, small lanterns and glass balls to hold the candles started to be used.

Electricity

In 1882, the first Christmas tree was lit by the use of electricity.

Edward Johnson lighted up a Christmas tree in New York City with eighty small electric light bulb.

By 1900, department stores started using the new Christmas lights for their Christmas displays.

Edward Johnson was one of Thomas Edison's muckers, an inventor who worked under the direction of Edison. Johnson became vice-president of Edison's electric company.

The Christmas Wreath

One of the most popular holiday decorations is the Christmas Wreath. You will see Christmas Wreaths used in many different ways and in many different settings. It is common to see them on the stairway, hanging on walls or doors, or even as a centrepiece on a table. From individual homes to large corporate offices, Christmas Wreaths are a pleasant sight throughout the holiday season.

What is the Meaning of the Christmas Wreath?

The Greek god of life and health, Apollo, is often depicted wearing a head wreath and because of this, the wreath became an important symbol for good health, life and even immortality in Greek culture.

Romans also introduced the idea of laying wreaths at funerals as a symbol of remembrance and the after-life.

Christianity And The Wreath

Christians adopted the funeral wreath from Roman culture, but it has also become a symbol of their never-ending love of Christ, which is where the association between Christmas and the wreath began.

Today, the Christmas wreath is seen by many as nothing more than a decoration, despite it’s well-established religious connotations.

Christmas Ornaments and Christmas Tree Decorations

Most of the ornaments come from Germany. The popular shiny glass balls That are on most Christmas trees and the tinsels that are also on most trees.

In the 1900's, popular decorations included strings of popcorn, homemade cards, pictures, cotton to look like snow, candy, and eventually glass balls and figurines. Some people used candles, but they often caused devastating fires.

In the 2000's, personalized ornaments lead in popularity.

Today, you can find Christmas ornaments in nearly every size, color, and shape imaginable. From handmade ornaments to limited edition and collector's edition Christmas ornaments, thousands of styles exist to decorate your Christmas tree.

Ornaments And Decor

Carol of the Bells

Title: Carol of the Bells, originally titled Shchedryk.

Author: Composed by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych (1877-1921) in 1916. Originally titled Shchedryk, this Ukrainian folk song is about a sparrow and the bountiful year that awaits a family. It was first performed in the Ukraine on the night of January 13, 1916, on the Julian calendar this is considered New Year's Eve. In the United States the song was first performed on October 5, 1921 at Carnegie Hall.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOI0yeY-5Rs&feature=player_embedded#!

Music Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TFrO8c_kVQ

Lyrics (Excerpt):

Hark how the bells,

sweet silver bells,

all seem to say,

throw cares away

Christmas is here,

bringing good cheer,

to young and old,

meek and the bold,