It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Thanksgiving has come and gone and people everywhere are decorating their homes for the holidays. Colorful lights adorn the exteriors of our homes, while Christmas trees are being decorated inside. But where do these traditions come from?
The History of the Christmas Tree
Long before Christmas, evergreens held special meaning for people during the winter months. Pine, spruce, and fir tree branches could be seen hanging over doors and windows. Why? Besides the fact that many believed these branches could keep evil spirits, ghosts, and even illness at bay, evergreen boughs were used in celebration during the winter solstice (December 21 or December 22). These branches were a reminder of all the green plants that would grow come spring, when it was believed that the sun god would grow strong again.
The early Romans celebrated the solstice with a feat called the Saturnalia, in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. During the Saturnalia, Romans would decorate their homes with evergreen boughs as a symbol of everlasting life. The Egyptians, Druids, and Vikings also decorated their homes with evergreens to honor their gods. However, it is the Germans who are credited with the first Christmas tree.
In the 16th century, Christians in Germany brought decorated trees into their homes during the holidays. However, it was not until the 1830s that this tradition would come to America. These trees were seen by many Americans as a pagan symbol and thus ignored by most Christians in this country. Then, in 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing around a Christmas tree. Being very popular in not only Britain, but also the Americas, the idea of the Christmas tree quickly caught on.
By the 1890s, the Christmas tree soared in popularity.
Christmas Candy from Wockenfuss Candies: Another Holiday Tradition
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and stockings filled with candy! And where better to get your Christmas candy than from Wockenfuss Candies? We have a wide variety of Christmas candies you are sure to enjoy, from our milk chocolate candy cane pops to mint filled candy straws to milk chocolate foil Santas and so much more! Best of all, our candy is available online at WockenfussCandies.com and can be shipped to you in 3-6 business days. We also offer pick-up orders, as well.
Happy Holidays!
If you have any questions about Wockenfuss Candies’ wide variety of Christmas Candy, please contact us by calling 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest!