2024 Home for the Holidays Magazine

Page 22 2024 Home For The Holidays Lincoln Daily News What about tree toppers, though? Where did they come into all of this? Would you be surprised to hear that Germany is largely responsible for the modern Christmas tree toppers too? The fi rst recorded use of these toppers was actually a baby Jesus tree topper that was used in the 16th century. By the 17th century, angel tree toppers were becoming popular in England. As for the notorious star atop the Christmas tree, it is not certain exactly where this tradition started. While some credit Martin Luther with the fi rst star atop the tree, other sources claim he had nothing to do with the tradition. What is not disputed, however, is that the star symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. According to the Bible, this is the star that led the three wise men to Jesus when he was born. It cannot be argued that the star is still the most popular Christmas tree topper today. While there are newer tree toppers, a simple Google search for tree toppers includes, among a few other things, many stars and quite a few angels. While much of the religious symbolism that early Christmas decorations had has been largely lost to time in the popular culture surrounding Christmas, tree toppers seem to be one where the religious tradition has stuck around. Remember some of the things that you learned here when you are decorating your tree this year, should that be a tradition your family celebrates. Hopefully some of these Christmas tree decorations, as well as the tree itself, will now hold just a little more meaning as you put them up this year. [Matt Boutcher] Sources: 1. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas-trees 2. https://realchristmastrees.org/education/history-of-christmas-trees/ 3. https://www.britannica.com/plant/Christmas-tree 4. https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2020/12/the-history-of-christmas- decorations-in-america/. 5. https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/life/2015/12/16/100-years- christmas-ornaments-reveal-history/77125432/ 6. https://treebuddees.com/blogs/news/a-brief-history-of-christmas-tree- toppers

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