New Year is a mystical holiday when all people are expecting a miracle and positive changes. Various traditions are associated with it - for example, installing a New Year's tree in your home, decorating your house with toys, writing a wish on a piece of paper and burning it when the clock strikes twelve... All traditions have their origins, and if you want to know why they put up a tree on New Year – then I suggest you read this article.
Why do they put up a Christmas tree for the New Year?
Today, we can hardly imagine a New Year without the traditional forest beauty - spruce. Not everyone knows that in history the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree for this celebration arose back in the days of the pagan faith, that is, a very, very long time ago.
It was customary for our ancestors to attribute certain magical powers to various trees and plants. At the same time, coniferous trees were placed in a separate category, since the Slavs believed that they were most liked by Yaril (or the Sun), who was the main pagan deity. The reason for God’s increased love for spruce was that this tree retains its appearance regardless of the time of year, which means that spirits responsible for strength and longevity live in its branches.
The reverence for spruce continued much later, when paganism as a religion left the world stage. The tree symbolized fertility and eternal life, as a result of which the custom arose of decorating its branches with all kinds of gifts. The first to pioneer this custom were the Germanic peoples, and after some time it was borrowed by the British and Dutch.
As for Russia, here the New Year tradition was officially established thanks to the efforts of Peter I. Surprisingly, before this, the celebration of the New Year took place not in winter, but in spring: people believed that when nature is renewed, a new stage of life begins. Then the festive events also involved a tree, but not spruce, but birch. But in 1700, everything changed after the publication of the famous decree of Peter the Great, which was called “On the Celebration of the New Year.”
According to the latter, noble people, as well as spiritual and secular ranks, were obliged to install various decorations at their gates, which were made from pine, spruce, and juniper branches. Firing from cannons and rifles was also mandatory. Those whose financial situation did not allow them to purchase a whole tree should have bought at least a branch or a small tree and placed it next to their home.
Initially, the population did not like Peter’s designated innovations (which, however, happened with all his reforms), however, after just a few years, the ritual of decorating the New Year’s tree became a mandatory attribute of the holiday.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, the ancient custom fell out of favor due to the fault of the Bolsheviks. Therefore, right up to 1935, the New Year ceased to be a holiday for Soviet people. But still, the people could not forget the magic and magical atmosphere of this amazing winter celebration and the evergreen beauty was returned “to duty” again. And in 1949, the first of January officially received the status of a non-working day, which continues to this day.
How spruce trees are decorated at different times
Now, having dealt with the history of the emergence of the tradition of putting up a New Year's tree, I suggest you talk about the features of decorating this evergreen tree.
- Initially, when the tree just began to appear as a mandatory element for the New Year, it was decorated with a variety of delicacies: nuts, which were covered with bright wrappers, dried fruits.
- Over time, one can see more imagination and diversity in the theme of Christmas tree decorations. Then the coniferous tree began to be decorated with candies that were cut out of cardboard, figures of people and living creatures, angels and bells. And they began to place the Star of Bethlehem at the very top.
- A little later, European glassblowers began to produce special Christmas tree balls. And wax candles, previously used more to illuminate a room, have been replaced by modern versions of electric garlands.
- As for the Soviet Union, here Christmas tree decorations have traditionally been a symbol of the spirit of that time. Therefore, cute angels and bells were replaced by glass soldiers, astronauts and parachutists. And instead of the biblical Star of Bethlehem, they began to use the Soviet alternative - the red five-pointed one.
- Today, thanks to the variety of Christmas tree accessories, even the most demanding and capricious taste can be satisfied. Popular as handmade, various textures, as well as very interesting options that differ in their shape and style. Decorating a Christmas tree is now becoming a real art, in which everyone gets the opportunity to realize their creative abilities.
- Artificial versions of Christmas trees are quite popular at the moment. The latter differ in their height, volume, and the material from which they are made. The obvious advantage of non-natural fir trees and pines over their natural counterparts lies in the maximum manifestation of the full power of design thought in them. And besides this, in this way the problem of illegal destruction of forests is solved - that is, natural resources are preserved. And this is also a significant saving - after all, having bought an artificial beauty once, you will not have to purchase it for at least several years. This means that you will thereby save yourself from additional hassle on the eve of the New Year holidays!
To conclude the topic
In the end we can summarize that:
- Initially, the custom of decorating Christmas trees for the New Year arose in paganism. Then the New Year holiday was celebrated not in winter, but in spring. Then this tradition gradually spread throughout the world.
- In Russia, Peter the Great motivated people to decorate their homes with fir trees and pine trees by his corresponding decree. Subsequently, the custom disappeared for a short time in Soviet Russia, but since 1949 it returned again and was enshrined at the official level.
- Candies, Christmas tree decorations, nuts, dried fruits, bells, stars, and the like can be used as decorative elements for Christmas trees.
And for a snack, be sure to watch this interesting thematic video material:
The festive atmosphere is gradually taking over everyone, which means the time will soon come for that favorite childhood moment when parents took out a huge box filled with all kinds of decorations from the closet.
Regardless of whether you prefer to buy a live Christmas tree every year or use an artificial tree for a long time, supporting environmental initiatives, the time for the appearance of a New Year's beauty in your home has almost come!
When to decorate the Christmas tree for 2020 New Year
According to the Chinese horoscope, 2020 belongs to the sign of the Mouse or Rat. Next year it will be White or Metallic. And in order to appease the symbol of the coming year, it is worth paying attention to the traditions of installing and decorating the New Year tree at home and in the office. Experts in the field of Feng Shui and lunar calendar plans will help you figure this out.
According to the advice, this year there is no need to rush things and put up the Christmas tree in early December; this hasty decision could negatively affect the results of 2020. The optimal time is the sacred day of the winter solstice, that is, December 22. A significant event in the sky creates a favorable atmosphere for household chores, creating comfort and decorating the Christmas tree.
It is believed that at this time the Earth is in a favorable location in relation to both the Moon and the Sun. Astrologers indicate the day of the winter solstice as favorable for achievements and new beginnings for all signs, since the patronage of the stars will help to establish balance in all areas of life.
If you bring a Christmas tree on this day and decorate it with your family or friends, you will get a charge of good mood that will remain within the walls of your home throughout the New Year holidays.
Another great date is Catholic Christmas, celebrated on December 24th. For Catholics, this holiday carries as much warmth and light as the celebration of January 7, which is familiar to Christians. In essence, it was once the same holiday, which was divided due to the difference in calendars.
Both Catholic Christmas Eve (December 24) and Catholic Christmas (December 25) are considered favorable dates for installing a Christmas tree, cleaning and decorating the house and other pleasant chores.
If you have an impatient baby at home who wants the holiday as soon as possible, you can follow the secular tradition and decorate the prickly beauty on St. Nicholas Day, December 19.
Proper decoration of the Christmas tree in the year of the Metal Rat
After Catholic Christmas, you can start decorating the Christmas tree on any convenient day; this period is considered completely favorable. Suffice it to recall the traditions of older generations, who most often left New Year's chores until the last minute, so a day or two before the holiday, all Christmas tree decorations and other important attributes disappeared from store shelves.
In the crazy pace of the 21st century, many housewives prefer to prepare for decorating the Christmas tree in advance and collect everything they need to then enjoy creating a festive atmosphere in the house.
Decorating your Christmas tree correctly for prosperity in 2020 is very simple. The Metal Mouse loves white and silver; pastel shades, blue, lilac, and pink are also allowed. Designers advise decorating the Christmas tree with plain white balls and brighter ribbons or garlands to create an effective contrast.
Since next year's mascot owner loves minimalism, the tree becomes the central element of the atmosphere. You don’t have to bother with decorating your home at all, or you can also use toys and decor in light colors. And don’t forget to add a figurine or Christmas ball in the shape of a Mouse!
What clothes to choose for the celebration
When choosing clothes, astrologers also recommend refraining from overly bright and dark shades. Depending on the format of the celebration, you can choose an evening dress or trouser suit in white and pastel colors, or a flashy outfit decorated with sequins, sparkles, and metallic inserts if you are planning a noisy party.
In many countries around the world, they put up a Christmas tree for Christmas and New Year. Sometimes people try to decorate their home with at least one twig, just so that the house is filled with a pleasant, slightly tart and fresh smell. Let's find out why this “green” tradition appeared.
How did this custom appear in Europe?
According to legend, the custom of putting up a fir tree in a house on Christmas Day is associated with Saint Boniface. One day he preached in Germany, talking about this significant holiday. To demonstrate his power and faith to the pagans, he cut down an oak tree - a symbol of the god Thor. A huge trunk fell, knocking down other trees, but without hitting the spruce. The pagans realized how weak their gods were and how tough Jesus was. In honor of this event, Boniface called the spruce “the tree of the infant Christ,” after which the green beauty became a full-fledged participant in the winter holiday.
In addition, since ancient times, people have revered spruce as a symbol of immortality and eternal life, health and rebirth, as well as communication with the afterlife. They believed that the trunks were inhabited by spirits that needed to be appeased with gifts. At the end of December, when the solar year began, people hung various offerings on the branches - ribbons, amulets, eggs, apples, and lit candles at the base.
This combination of pagan and early Christian traditions led to the fact that spruce began to gain popularity as a symbol of Christmas and the coming of the new year. The custom became more widespread during the Reformation in Protestant countries. They say that the famous Martin Luther was one of the first to decorate it: once on Christmas Eve he decorated the top of the tree with a star in memory of the Star of Bethlehem. And one of the first written evidence of decorated trees dates back to 1605. It describes the people of Strasbourg putting up fir trees in their houses and placing roses, waffles, gold foil, sugar, etc. on them.
By the way, in the 16th century in Central Europe there was a custom of decorating small deciduous trees. Sometimes they were hung from the ceiling.
Over the course of two centuries, the custom associated with the Christmas tree has spread throughout almost all of Europe - it affected England, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria and other countries. Thanks to emigrants, it appeared in America. In the USA, the spruce was decorated with fruits and candles, and then they began to use various toys. And residents of eastern countries appreciated spruce already in the 20th century. True, this tradition affected only a few states - Turkey, Iran, Morocco.
The appearance of a holiday attribute in Russia
The inhabitants of our country owe the appearance of the festive spruce to Peter I. At the beginning of the 18th century, he issued a decree according to which a new chronology was introduced in Russia, and the new year began on January 1. The document also contained instructions on how to properly organize the holiday. In it, the spruce appeared as a city decoration - it was not placed indoors.
The first Christmas trees appeared in homes at the beginning of the 19th century - St. Petersburg Germans, who religiously observed traditions, decorated their houses with them. It is believed that Nicholas I introduced the widespread fashion for these trees. Later, following the example of the royal family, conifers began to appear in rich metropolitan houses, gradually conquering the homes of Russians. This could have been facilitated by the newspapers, which suddenly started talking about the Christmas tree as an original decoration. The trees were not cheap, and the best specimens were brought from Finland.
After the revolution, the fashion for Christmas trees in homes did not disappear. True, it underwent changes after the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in the country, when Christmas and New Year changed places. In addition, the authorities began to fight against religious holidays, which negatively affected the status of Christmas, whose trees gradually became “Komsomol” ones.
They had a kind of revival in 1935 at the instigation of the second secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Pavel Postyshev - he initiated the creation of a secular New Year's holiday. On his initiative, a decorated Christmas tree for children was installed in December of this year.
Later, events for the little ones became traditional, and the coniferous representative of the House of Unions received the status of the main Christmas tree. In 1976, this title was transferred to the green beauty in the Kremlin.
So gradually the spruce became a symbol of the New Year. Over the years, its decorations changed: toys depicting pioneers, astronauts, soldiers, doctors, cars, etc. were added to candies and fruits. During the reign of Nikita Khrushchev, corn cobs and hockey players were painted on glass balls.
With the abolition of religious Christmas, the tree in the USSR became a symbol of the New Year, although it brought with it the same attributes. Today, many residents of our country decorate it closer to New Years, while in some houses the tree remains until spring.
Before this, with the adoption of Christianity in 988, it was celebrated on March 1, and in 1492, September 1 was fixed as the start date of the year. Then chronology followed the Byzantine system, “from the creation of the world” - that is, from 5508 BC. On the “first day of the year” on the cathedral square there was a ceremony “On the beginning of a new summer” and a church service “For the summer” with the participation of the patriarch, the tsar, and the nobility.
At the end of December 1699, Peter I issued personal decree No. 1736 “On the celebration of the New Year.” He introduced a new system of calculation - from the Nativity of Christ, and the year 7208 “from the creation of the world” became 1700. And the decree ordered that the New Year be celebrated in the image and likeness of the European powers that impressed the king during the Great Embassy to foreign countries.
“And as a sign of that good beginning and the new hundred-year century, in the reigning city of Moscow, after due thanksgiving to God and prayer singing in the church, and whoever happens in his home, along large and well-traveled noble streets, to noble people, and at houses of deliberate spiritual and the secular order, in front of the gate, make some decorations from trees and branches of pine, spruce and juniper, against the samples that were made in the Gostiny Dvor and at the lower pharmacy, or for whomever is more convenient and decent, depending on the place and the gate, it is possible to make, but for people for the poor, at least put a tree or a branch on the gate, or over their mansion, and so that the future genvar will ripen now by the 1st day of this year, and that decoration of the genvar will stand until the 7th day of the same year 1700.”
Decree “On the celebration of the New Year”, 1699
This is how the tradition of decorating houses and yards arose. The king adopted this custom from foreigners who lived in the German settlement. For the Germans, spruce was a symbol of eternal life, and for the Slavs, from time immemorial, coniferous branches were associated with funeral rites, so it was difficult for many to accept new customs.
Also, “as a sign of joy,” the townspeople were supposed to congratulate each other on the New Year, and from January 1 to 7, at night, “light fires from wood, or brushwood, or straw,” or tar barrels filled with them. The main action was planned to take place on Red Square: to light “fire fun”, shoot three times from muskets, and finally “fire a few rockets”. In modern language, set off fireworks and explode firecrackers.
So the holiday moved away from church traditions and became secular. On January 1, 1700, in the “reigning city of Moscow,” the Tsar personally opened the holiday by launching a “rocket.” The ringing of bells mixed with cannon fire, and the streets were illuminated.
After Peter the Great's reign, mass celebrations gradually disappeared from the New Year's tradition - large-scale celebrations were held mainly in noble and imperial houses. Under Elizabeth I, who loved luxury, the New Year tradition appeared.
“15 thousand courtiers in luxurious suits and dresses arrived at eight o'clock and danced to the music of two orchestras until 7 o'clock in the morning; then they went into the hall, where tables were set, on which were placed a great many pyramids of sweets, as well as cold and hot food. Guests were treated to various vodkas and the best grape wines, as well as coffee, chocolate, tea, orchad and lemonade.”
During the New Year, the exchange of gifts and a special festive table became a New Year's tradition. And in the 19th century, other attributes of the holiday appeared -,. In 1852, the first public Christmas tree was installed in the building of the St. Petersburg Ekateringofsky Station - an entertainment pavilion.
After the revolution in 1918, the Bolsheviks switched to the Western, Gregorian calendar. A difference arose between the old and new styles of calculating time in 13 days - this is how an unofficial holiday appeared. They also canceled the New Year celebration, considering it a “counter-revolutionary holiday, imbued with the idea of bourgeois decadence and priestly obscurantism.” Instead, they introduced the holiday of the “Red Blizzard” - the day of the beginning of the world revolution. Only it didn’t catch on: people “underground” put up Christmas trees and gave gifts to children.
In 1935, the New Year was returned - on the initiative of party leader Pavel Postyshev. His granddaughter Snegurochka, tangerines and oranges, New Year's lights and chimes, the solemn speech of the head of the country and holiday songs gradually became companions of the fun.
Why is it customary to decorate the Christmas tree for the New Year?We all love the beautiful and fabulous custom of decorating a Christmas tree for the New Year holidays. This worldwide tradition has a very rich history, and without it it is hardly possible to imagine celebrating the main winter holidays. Why do we decorate the spruce tree and how did this custom appear?
N.N. Zhukov, Yolka.
According to an ancient legend, the spruce became a symbol of Christmas at the request of the heavenly powers. When the Savior was born in Bethlehem, in a wretched cave, a new bright star lit up in the dark sky to the singing of angels. Heeding the divine sign, not only people, but also animals and plants hurried to the cave. Everyone tried to show the newborn their sincere joy and bring some gift. Plants and trees gave the Baby their fragrances, flowers, fruits and leaves.
Johann Bernhard Schmelzer "Christmas Dream"1833.
Spruce also hurried from the distant north to the joyful event. She was the last to arrive and, shyly, stood to the side. Everyone asked her in surprise why she didn’t come in. El answered that she really wanted to enter, but she had nothing to give to the Divine Infant, and she was afraid to frighten Him or prick Him with needles. Then the plants shared their gifts with the Spruce, and red apples, nuts, bright flowers and green leaves began to show off on its branches. El was very happy, thanked everyone, and quietly approached Jesus. The baby smiled when he saw the beautiful, multi-colored, kind Spruce, and then the Star of Bethlehem shone even brighter above its very top...
According to another, similar legend, the proud Olive and Palm did not let the Spruce near the Baby, laughing at its prickly needles and sticky resin. The modest Elka did not object and sadly looked into the bright, fragrant cave, thinking about her unworthiness to enter it. But the Angel, who heard the conversation of the trees, took pity on the Spruce and decided to decorate its branches with heavenly stars. The spruce shone magnificently and entered the cave. At that moment, Jesus woke up, smiled and extended his arms to her. The spruce rejoiced, but did not become proud, and the Angel rewarded the good tree for its modesty, making it from now on a sign of the bright holiday of Christmas.
In ancient times, people deified nature and believed in the existence of spirits living mainly in forests on coniferous trees. It was believed that it was supernatural forest creatures that caused severe frosts, sent blizzards and confused hunters, and the spirits behaved especially boldly on long December nights. And therefore, in order to protect themselves and their property from the tricks of forest creatures, people tried in every possible way to appease them: they decorated spruce trees with various fruits and treats, pronounced special spells and performed mysterious rituals. In addition, the evergreen tree has symbolized life itself since ancient times.
Europeans are convinced that the head of the German Reformation, Martin Luther, also helped spread the custom of decorating the Christmas tree. One Christmas Eve, on a frosty, starry night, he was returning home through the forest and, deciding to surprise his family, brought a Christmas tree. It was decorated with candles and bows. After this incident, many began to follow his example.
Biczó, András Christmas Tree Twig.
The first written evidence of decorated Christmas trees, dated 1605, reads like this: “In Strasbourg, fir trees are brought into houses at Christmas, and roses made of colored paper, apples, waffles, gold foil, sugar and other things are placed on these trees.” .
At the beginning of the 19th century. this beautiful German custom began to spread throughout Northern Europe. In England, France, and America, Christmas trees began to be erected and decorated everywhere only in the middle of the 19th century.
Carl Larsson.
At the same time, the tree became a Christmas tree in Russia. True, the decree of Peter I on the eve of 1700, confirming the transfer of the New Year to January 1, also read: “On large streets, near elaborate houses, in front of the gates, place some decorations from trees and branches of pine, spruce and cerebellum.” But we haven’t talked about the Christmas tree as a home decoration yet. The Germans living in Russia observed their customs, but the Russians were in no hurry to adopt them.
Carl Larsson,Christmas Tree Confett.
There is a mention in the literature that the first Christmas tree in Russia was arranged by Nicholas I in the late 1830s. At that time, the Russian nobility was fond of German literature and Western manners. St. Petersburg confectioners of Swiss origin contributed to the spread of the tradition, offering ready-made decorated trees and sweets with Christmas tree symbols for the holiday. By the end of the 1840s, the tree had become a familiar attribute of the Christmas holiday. The trees were decorated with crafts made of colored paper, fruits, refined sugar and tinsel.
M. Matveev 1981.
By the way, there is also a legend about New Year's tinsel. A long time ago there lived a kind woman who had many children, they were very poor, and she had to work very hard. The evening before Christmas, the woman decorated the Christmas tree, but she had very few decorations. At night, spiders crawled onto the branches of the tree and wove a web. Seeing this and feeling sorry for the poor mother, Jesus Christ blessed the tree, and the web turned into silvery tinsel...
Blish Carolyn.
At the end of the 20s of the 20th century, the Christmas tree in Russia was banned along with the celebration of Christmas and even the New Year. But in 1936 it returned as an attribute of the New Year holidays and I hope it will not leave us again.
Ekaterina Elizarova