what is a christmas tree called in germany

Did Christmas trees originate in Germany?

The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany. But the Germans got it from the Romans, who got it from the Babylonians and the Egyptians. The following demonstrates what the Babylonians believe about the origin of the Christmas tree: “An old Babylonish fable told of an evergreen tree which sprang out of a dead tree stump.

What are some fun facts about Christmas in Germany?

What are some fun facts about Christmas in Germany? German families prepare for Christmas throughout cold December. Four Sundays before Christmas, they make an Advent wreath of fir or pine branches with four colored candles. They light a candle on the wreath each Sunday, sing Christmas songs, and eat Christmas cookies.

Do Germans put up Christmas trees?

Traditionally, the tree is only put up in Germany on 24th December. While this now varies from family to family, many of the older generation still deck the halls on the morning of Christmas Eve. The rest of the home is decorated beforehand, but it's just the tree which is saved until last.

What are the best Christmas markets in Germany?

The best Christmas markets in Germany

• Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, Berlin. ...
• Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market. ...
• City Hall Christmas Market, Hamburg. ...
• Frankfurt Christmas Market. ...
• Marienplatz Christmas Market, Munich. ...
• Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg. ...
• Striezelmarkt, Dresden. ...
• Marktplatz, Stuttgart. ...
• Engelchenmarkt, Düsseldorf. ...

Does Germany have Christmas trees?

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

What kind of Christmas trees are in Germany?

One notable feature of German Christmas is the “Weihnachtsbaum” - a decorated Christmas tree, usually a spruce, fir or pine tree.

What Christmas decorations does Germany use?

Most families in Germany start decorating their homes in early December, usually around Nikolaus on December 6, with evergreen branches, paper stars in the windows and strings of fairy lights.

Why is Christmas called Weihnachten in German?

Etymology. From Middle High German wīhenahten (“Christmas”), from a dative plural ze den wīhen nahten (“in the holy nights”). Compare modern weihen (“to hallow”) and Nacht.

What is the most common tree in Germany?

Tree species distribution in Germany A total of about 90 tree and shrub species are found in the German forest. Four tree species are the most important ones: spruce (26%), pine (23%), beech (16%) and oak (11%) dominate the distribution of tree species to about three quarters.

How do Germans celebrate Christmas?

While 25th December is still a national holiday in Germany, it's celebrated differently to how we do in England. Traditionally, the family will gather around a heartwarming meal, attend church, children will play with their new toys and the white candle of the Advent wreath (the one in the middle) will be lit.

What is the most famous German Christmas decoration?

Advent wreath (Adventskranz) The tradition of Advent wreaths was started by German Lutherans in the 16th century, and today the wreath is still an icon of Christmas in Germany. The wreath consists of four candles in a bed of pine cones, berries, dried flowers and Christmas ornaments.

What do Germans call Santa?

WeihnachtsmannTraditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.

What do Germans like for Christmas?

According to a survey by the Yougov market research institute, most people said Christmas involves candles, a Christmas tree, baking Christmas biscuits and buying presents. In 2020, almost 25 million Christmas trees stood in German living rooms – preferably real ones, because plastic imitations are frowned upon.

What are 5 traditions in Germany?

Authentic German TraditionsSchultüte on the first day of school. The Schultüte is a traditional German gift that was established during the 19th century. ... Fireworks on New Year's Eve. ... Watching “Dinner For One' on New Year's Eve. ... Reinfeiern. ... Karneval. ... Tanz in den Mai. ... Tanzverbot. ... Tatort.

What is Krampus Germany?

Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”

How do you wish Merry Christmas in German?

Merry Christmas in GermanFrohe/fröhliche Weihnachten! Happy Christmas!Frohes Weihnachtsfest! (A) joyous Christmas celebration!Frohe Festtage! Happy holidays!Ein frohes Fest! A joyous holiday!Ein gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest! ... Herzliche Weihnachtsgrüße! ... Mögen sich all deine Wünsche erfüllen. ... Frohes neues Jahr!More items...

Why do Germans decorate their tree last?

1911). Some German families with young children still maintain the old German custom of keeping the Christmas tree hidden away or locked in a room where the kids can't see it until Christmas Eve. The parents put up and decorate the tree, only to keep it a secret until the big “unveiling” on the 24th.

Why did Germans decorate Christmas trees?

Whether that tale is true or not, evergreen trees became part of Christian rites in Germany, and in the Middle Ages “paradise trees” began to appear there. Meant to represent the Garden of Eden, these evergreen trees were hung with apples and displayed in homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve.

What unusual decoration is traditionally placed on Christmas trees in some German American homes?

It says that Germans hang a pickle-shaped glass ornament on the Christmas tree hidden away so it's difficult to find. The first child to find it on Christmas morning gets a special treat or an extra present.

Where in Germany did the Christmas tree originate from?

But the real origins of Christmas trees appear to be rooted in present-day Germany during the Middle Ages. In 1419, a guild in Freiburg put up a tree decorated with apples, flour-paste wafers, tinsel and gingerbread.

Where did the modern Christmas tree originate?

The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany, where families set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Ad...

When was the Christmas tree adopted in England?

The Christmas tree was introduced into England in the early 19th century. The tree was popularized in the mid-19th century by Prince Albert, husban...

When was the artificial Christmas tree invented?

Artificial Christmas trees were developed in the United States in the 1930s. They were made of brush bristles. The 1950s and 1960s saw the mass pro...

What is the tradition of Christmas in Germany?

In some parts of Germany it is a tradition on the 26th of December to visit friends and praise their Christmas tree.

When was the first Christmas tree made?

The first appearance of a Christmas tree – Tannenbaum – was recorded in 1605 in Strasburg, and the record said that “…people set up Christmas trees in their rooms…”.

What do people use to decorate a tree?

People use different festive ornaments, nuts, candies, and candles to decorate the tree. Once the real wax candles were used, and people learnt how to make it safely: the candles were not left to burn for a long time, and not without someone in the room. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the sixteenth-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling among the evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles. Nowadays more and more electric candle lights replace their wax predecessors.

When did Christmas trees start?

However the Christmas tree tradition dates back to the middle of the 16th century when the first of “Tannenbaum” ballads appeared in printing. By the 19th century the tradition spread across Germany and abroad. It was due to the royal Germans that the custom of decorating a tree for Christmas crossed German borders, and reached the United States.

What do people drink when they praise a tree?

Because, normally those who praise the tree will receive a little glass of alcoholic drink, mostly some sort of brandy. After they get their drink, the visitors normally sit down for a while, talking and eating some cookies, perhaps praising the tree one more time (“A VERY nice tree!”).

Where did the Christmas tree originate?

The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany, where families set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They hung wafers on it (symbolizing the eucharistic host, the Christian sign of redemption).

What is the history of Christmas trees?

Learn about the history of Christmas trees. Christmas trees have a very long history, though the practice of bringing trees inside and decorating them is more recent. Christmas tree, an evergreen tree, often a pine or a fir, decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of Christmas festivities. Christmas trees can be fresh-cut, potted, ...

What did the Germans do on December 24th?

The Germans set up a paradise tree in their homes on December 24, the religious feast day of Adam and Eve. They hung wafers on it (symbolizing the eucharistic host, the Christian sign of redemption); in a later tradition the wafers were replaced by cookies of various shapes.

What is an evergreen plant?

Evergreen, any plant that retains its leaves through the year and into the following growing season. Many tropical species of broad-leaved flowering plants are evergreen, but in cold-temperate and Arctic areas the evergreens commonly are cone-bearing shrubs or trees (conifers), such as pines and firs.

When did the Christmas tree become a tradition?

The custom was widespread among the German Lutherans by the 18th century, but it was not until the following century that the Christmas tree became a deep-rooted German tradition. Introduced into England in the early 19th century, the Christmas tree was popularized in the mid-19th century by German-born Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.

Where were blow glass ornaments made?

Blown-glass ornaments were offered for sale in Britain and the United States as early as the 1870s, many produced in small workshops in Germany and Bohemia, which also created decorations made from tinsel, cast lead, beads, pressed paper, and cotton batting.

When were Christmas trees popular?

Taken to North America by German settlers as early as the 17th century, Christmas trees were the height of fashion by the 19th century. They were also popular in Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the Netherlands.

What is a Christmas tree?

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer, such as a fir, spruce, or pine, or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas, originating in Germany associated with Saint Boniface.

Where did Christmas trees originate?

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer, such as a spruce, pine, or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas, originating in Germany associated with Saint Boniface. The custom was developed in medieval Livonia (present-day Estonia and Latvia ), and in early modern Germany where German Protestant Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. It acquired popularity beyond the Lutheran areas of Germany and the Baltic governorates during the second half of the 19th century, at first among the upper classes.

How are real trees used?

Real or cut trees are used only for a short time, but can be recycled and used as mulch, wildlife habitat, or used to prevent erosion. Real trees are carbon-neutral, they emit no more carbon dioxide by being cut down and disposed of than they absorb while growing. However, emissions can occur from farming activities and transportation. An independent life-cycle assessment study, conducted by a firm of experts in sustainable development, states that a natural tree will generate 3.1 kg (6.8 lb) of greenhouse gases every year (based on purchasing 5 km (3.1 miles) from home) whereas the artificial tree will produce 48.3 kg (106 lb) over its lifetime. Some people use living Christmas or potted trees for several seasons, providing a longer life cycle for each tree. Living Christmas trees can be purchased or rented from local market growers. Rentals are picked up after the holidays, while purchased trees can be planted by the owner after use or donated to local tree adoption or urban reforestation services. Smaller and younger trees may be replanted after each season, with the following year running up to the next Christmas allowing the tree to carry out further growth.

What does the star on a Christmas tree represent?

An angel or star might be placed at the top of the tree to represent the Angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem, respectively, from the Nativity. Edible items such as gingerbread, chocolate, and other sweets are also popular and are tied to or hung from the tree's branches with ribbons.

How long does it take for a Christmas tree to grow?

The life cycle of a Christmas tree from the seed to a 2-metre (7 ft) tree takes, depending on species and treatment in cultivation, between eight and twelve years. First, the seed is extracted from cones harvested from older trees.

What were the decorations on the Christmas tree made of?

The tree was traditionally decorated with "roses made of colored paper, apples, wafers, tinsel, [and] sweetmeats". Moravian Christians began to illuminate Christmas trees with candles, which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electrification.

Why were Christmas trees banned in the Soviet Union?

Under the Marxist-Leninist doctrine of state atheism in the Soviet Union, after its foundation in 1917, Christmas celebrations—along with other religious holidays—were prohibited as a result of the Soviet anti-religious campaign. The League of Militant Atheists encouraged school pupils to campaign against Christmas traditions, among them being the Christmas tree, as well as other Christian holidays, including Easter; the League established an anti-religious holiday to be the 31st of each month as a replacement. With the Christmas tree being prohibited in accordance with Soviet anti-religious legislation, people supplanted the former Christmas custom with New Year's trees. In 1935, the tree was brought back as New Year tree and became a secular, not a religious holiday.

What is Christmas Tree in Germany?

The Christmas tree in Germany is called Weihnachtsbaum. It was introduced to Germany by the reformers, during the 16th century.

What do they call Santa Claus in Germany?

Germans call Santa “Sankt Nikolaus”. He is often depicted wearing a bishop’s outfit, rather than the usual red suit.

Where is the best Christmas market in Germany?

The best Christmas market in Germany is the one held in Nuremberg. It is often called ‘Das Christkindlesmarkt’ and also the Berlin Christmas market.

How many people in Germany have a Christmas tree?

Germany has about 41 million households, and in 2019 almost 30 million homes had their own Christmas tree. That shows that a whopping 73% of German homes have their own Christmas tree, which is always a real tree (only 22% put up a fake tree) and decorated with classic color-matching decorations and white lights.

What is the Christmas mass in Germany?

Some families ( 29% of Germans) go to church in the afternoon of the 24th for a special Christmas mass ( Christmette ). In Germany, Christmas gifts are placed underneath the Christmas tree and opened on the 24th in the evening. Traditionally, Christmas gifts are brought by the Christkind (child of Christ). Santa Claus also exists in Germany and is simply called the Christmas man ( Weihnachtsmann ).

How is Christmas celebrated in Germany?

Christmas in Germany is called Weihnachten, and it is a three day holiday. The main celebration is on Christmas Eve ( Heiligabend ), December 24th. Shops and offices are usually open until noon (unless it is a Sunday), and then everything closes up for a mainly silent and quiet time spent with family.

What is the Advent Season in Germany?

Christmas time in Germany officially starts already at the beginning of December with the Adventszeit. The advent season marks the four Sundays in December. Traditionally, every home has a decorative advent wreath ( Adventskranz) with four candles. On the first advent, the first Sunday, one candle gets litten. On the second advent, the second Sunday, a second candle gets lit, and so on. On Christmas itself, all four candles are giving light.

What do Germans put up?

Germans put up wooden nutcrackers ( Nußknacker ), Christmas pyramids ( Weihnachtspyramiden) that spin when its candles are lit, and of course, the famous Christmas tree ( Weihnachtsbaum ).

What is the most popular Christmas food in Germany?

Among the favorite German Christmas foods during the advent season are homemade Christmas cookies ( Plätzchen ), Stollen, the oldest known German Christmas sweet/cake, and gingerbread ( Lebkuchen ). During the advent season, a lot of traditional activities and decorations take place.

Where is the most visited Christmas market in Germany?

Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom in Cologne (the most visited Christmas market with over 4 million visitors)

What are the colors of Christmas in Germany?

Town streets and business offices are decorated with Christmas lights and branches of pine-needle and fir-needle trees. Everything appears in red and dark green – the colors of “Weihnachten” in Germany. Houses are usually scarcely decorated.

Where did Christmas trees originate?

Modern Christmas trees originated during the Renaissance of 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. If there are young children in the house, the trees are usually secretly decorated by ...

What is the main meal at Christmas?

Carp or goose dishes are often served for the main Christmas meal. Stollen is a popular fruited yeast bread that is eaten at Christmas. Dresden has the most famous Christmas Stollen, but you can bake your own with little trouble and a few hours time. Christmas Stollen or Christstollen is full of nuts, raisins, and candied fruit. If made a few weeks in advance of serving it mellows and softens and is very good.

What is the most miraculous holiday in Germany?

The most miraculous children’s holiday in German-speaking countries is St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6. This is the day when all obedient children get presents, mostly sweets, from St. Nikolaus, whose custom is to put them into the shoes, providently set outside the bedroom door. Germany (and most other countries) celebrates Christmas on ...

What is the oldest tradition in Germany?

Christmas is one of the most powerful and certainly oldest traditions in human history. Holiday celebrations in Germany start in earnest with the beginning of Advent. On that day children get to open the first of the 24 doors of their Adventskalender.

What is Germany known for?

Germany is well-known for its Christmas Markets where all sorts of Christmas foods and decorations are sold. Perhaps the most famous German decorations are glass ornaments. The glass ornaments were originally hand-blown glass and were imported in the USA in 1880s by the Woolworth stores. The legend of the glass ‘Christmas Pickle’ is famous in ...

Where is the Christmas tree traditionally brought into the house?

The Christmas tree was traditionally brought into the house on Christmas Eve. In some parts of Germany, during the evening, the family would read the Bible and sing Christmas songs such as O Tannenbaum, Ihr Kinderlein Kommet and Stille Nacht (Slient Night). Christmas Market in Lüneburg.

Overview

History

Sources have offered a connection between the first documented Christmas trees in Alsace around 1600 and pre-Christian traditions. For example, according to the Encyclopædia Britannica, "The use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands to symbolize eternal life was a custom of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. Tree worship was common among the pagan Europeans and survived their conversion to Christianity in the Scandinavian customs of decorating the hous…

Customs and traditions

Production

Environmental issues

Religious issues

See also