1. How a Fir Tree with Apples in a Medieval Play Challenges the Tree-Worship Idea
You may have heard that the Christmas tree is a leftover from ancient tree worship. However, historian Brunner questioned this common view. Instead, he looked at images of trees in medieval "Paradise Plays" [2].
These plays were performed around December 24. To represent the Garden of Eden, a fir tree hung with apples was placed on stage. Some researchers believe this "Paradise Tree" is the predecessor of the modern Christmas tree [1]. However, this is just one strong theory. The tree did not become widely rooted in homes until much later, in the 19th century [2].
2. Why Early Christmas Tree Decorations in Sélestat Were Edible
In Sélestat, a city in the Alsace region of France, early Christmas trees were not stood on the floor but hung from ceiling beams. The decorations were edible items. Red apples represented the forbidden fruit eaten in Eden, while wafers (bread used in church rituals) symbolized salvation [3]. This connects directly to the apple tree seen in Paradise Plays.
Records compete for the title of "oldest." In Riga, Latvia, there is a record that the Brotherhood of Black Heads set up a holiday tree in their guild hall in 1510 [1]. In Sélestat, an accounting book from 1521 shows a payment of 4 shillings to a forest guard watching over fir trees in the communal forest. This is often introduced as the "oldest written record," but it is actually a record of guarding forest trees, not decorating one [3]. Because the content of these records differs, it is difficult to decide which one is truly the "oldest."
3. How a Royal Children's Party and a Family Picture in the News Spread the Christmas Tree in Britain
The first known royal Christmas tree in Britain was at a party for children held by Queen Charlotte at Queen’s Lodge in Windsor in December 1800. It was decorated with candles, fruit, sweets, and toys. No records exist from before this time [4].
The key moment that helped spread the tradition was an illustration published in the Illustrated London News on December 23, 1848. It showed Queen Victoria’s family surrounding a tree at Windsor Castle [5]. The tree was described as a "young fir about 8 feet high." Since 1 foot is about 30.5 cm, 8 feet is approximately 2.4 m [5].
It is often said that her husband, Albert, brought the tree to Britain. However, Queen Charlotte’s tree came earlier. Albert was someone who enthusiastically popularized the tradition. It is thought that the tree spread due to royal influence [5].
4. How Glass Balls Joined Food Decorations on Christmas Trees
Early trees had apples and wafers hanging from them. But by the mid-19th century, glass decorations were added. It is said that glass ball ornaments were made in Lauscha, Germany, around this time [7].
Woolworths began selling these in the United States. The timing is said to be around 1880, though some sources say 1879 [7]. They became popular even though they were not unbreakable materials, perhaps because they could be used longer than food and stored from year to year. As decorative items for viewing joined edible ones, the appearance of the Christmas tree slowly changed.
5. Meijiya in Yokohama and the First Christmas Tree in Japan
In Japan, it is said that Meijiya in Yokohama decorated the first Christmas tree on December 7, 1886 (Meiji 19). Meijiya was founded in 1885 and is described as a store for foreign sailors [6]. December 7 is known as "Christmas Tree Day" because of this story.
However, there is information suggesting trees were decorated before this. It is safer to read the claim as "said to be the first" rather than stating it as a definite fact [6]. From the tree in the Paradise Play to now, fir trees crossed the sea to reach Japan through newsprints and stores for foreign sailors.
6. How Making Old-Style Food Decorations Helps You Rethink the Christmas Tree
You can try making apple or cookie shapes from colored paper and hanging them on a paper tree or branches you have at home, pretending to recreate old food decorations. When using scissors, please be careful and do this with an adult.
If you see a Christmas tree in town or at home, look at the materials of the decorations. Glass, paper, cloth, plastic. How much food remains? "Oldest" and "first" are only within the records that have been found. By reading about Brunner’s theory or materials from local tourist offices, you can notice differences in how records are counted [2].