http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V7oHmJDmTM (Intro)

The Christmas Tree

der Weihnachtsbaum

The EvergreenThe Evergreen tree was believed to be magical thousands of years ago.

In the winter, when all trees turned brown and bare, the evergreen stayed strong and green.

Symbol of life – Spring would return.

How Did the Tree Make it Inside Homes?

Legend started with Martin Luther. (church reformer.)

He tried to tell his family about how he had seen stars in the sky through tree branches.

To demonstrate, he cut down a tree, brought it inside, and decorated it with candles to represent the stars.

THE TRADITION SPREADS

This new custom spread throughout Germany.

From there, it was brought to England when Queen Victoria married a

German prince.

The tradition spread throughout London and

eventually reached America and the rest of

the world.

Christmas in Germany

Today, German Christmas trees are decorated on Christmas Eve.

The children are awoken at midnight to see the tree all lit up with the presents underneath.

No longer use candles – trees are arranged with electrical lights.

The trees stay up until January 6th. (the feast of the three kings.)

Frohe Weihnachten!Merry Christmas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbCAY7WeE_U