History DetectivesChristmas through the ages“Why do we put a tree inside our house?”

Activity 1

Write out the words ‘Christmas tree’ down your book

For each letter of the think of a word connected with Christmas.It cannot be a describing word but it could be a noun e.g. money, egg-nog

Christmas tree

Before Christianity

To the Ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Hebrews, evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands were symbols of everlasting life.

In Europe tree worship was also common and people from Norway and Sweden used to decorate their houses with evergreen plants at New Year to scare away the devil.

What are evergreen trees? What do they symbolise?

Medieval Christians and trees

Europe became Christians they still kept the tradition of trees.

In medieval times German people had a ‘paradise tree’. This was a fir tree hung with apples to remember Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. These trees were set up on December 24th and candles were often added to represent Jesus Christ.

What do Christians do today to remember Jesus Christ at Christmas?

Victorian Christmas

The person who made Christmas trees popular in Britain was the German Prince Albert who was Queen Victoria’s husband.

In 1848 ‘The Illustrated London News’ printed a picture of the Royal Family gathered round their Christmas tree. After that everyone wanted one. Victorian trees were decorated with candles, fancy cakes and sweets.

Why would the Queen having a photo of a tree make it more popular?

Activity 2

What decorations do you think people will have in the future?

Draw an advert in your books for the Christmas tree of 2111.

Swap with the person sitting next to you. They check your work, writing one positive comment and one thing to improve.

Feedback

Share your Christmas tree of the future with the rest of the class!