Sunday, December 17, 2017

Stars and the Trees This Season


If the legend is true, the stars are connected with the Christmas tree tradition as we know it today from centuries ago in Germany. Though people of all kinds had long used trees or parts of trees this time of year to decorate or celebrate a deity or the solstice, it's German theologian Martin Luther who is credited with first bringing the tree in the home to decorate with lights. The story goes that he was out for a walk one evening and struck by the beauty of the stars shining amidst the conifers and reproduced this natural sight indoors by bringing in a tree strung up with lighted candles.

(The Sweetgum on the other hand just wears the stars as leaves.)

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