The first modern Christmas tree* by Michael Corthell Long before the advent of Christianity, evergreens had a special meaning for people during the winter. Just as we today decorate our homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, ancient humans hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many tribes it was believed that evergreens would keep witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness at bay. In December 1846, the popular Illustrated London News published an image* of Queen Victoria standing with Prince Albert and their children around a decorated Christmas tree. Prince Albert was a German and he brought the long standing family tradition to England with him. Christmas trees originated during the Renaissance in early modern Germany . Its 16th-century origins are sometimes associated with Protestant Christian reformer Martin Luther , who is said to have first added lighted candles to an evergreen tree. The earliest known firmly dated representation...
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