With only a few weeks left until the start of the last month of the year, many people are wondering when to put up the Christmas tree. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of end-of-year celebrations, and is decorated in the days leading up to December 25th.
- every day: “I’m 101 years old, but that doesn’t stop me from training in the gym for two hours.”
- Beetroot juice: Learn about 6 benefits and 3 contraindications of the drink
It is a time when families gather to decorate their homes with festive decorations and welcome Christmas, one of the most important celebrations of the Catholic faith, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. For many, it also represents an event to strengthen family bonds. This way the festive season full of festivities officially begins.
When do you put up a Christmas tree?
According to tradition, the Christmas tree is put up no more than two weeks before Christmas. In Argentina, this symbol of Christmas is set on December 8th. This date celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, a religious holiday with national holiday status. This year, it falls on a Monday, creating a long weekend.
This Catholic celebration seeks to highlight the values of faith, compassion and love, embodied in the Virgin Mary, honored as the mother of Jesus Christ, who, according to tradition, was born of the Holy Spirit through divine intercession. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception affirms the doctrine that Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without sin.
What is the origin of the Christmas tree?
Christmas is strongly associated with the tree, on which each family hangs their favorite decorations and which serves as a place to leave gifts for Santa at midnight on the 24th. This centuries-old tradition originates in the Nordic countries.
The Christmas tree in particular emerged from the winter solstice celebrations. Centuries ago, Celtic people cut down oak trees and took them home to decorate them with fruit and candles. In this way, they sought to “revive” it and ensure its flowering the following summer. Therefore, the Christmas tree is an adaptation of the tree of life and even the universe.
In Norse mythology, this custom is known as Yggdrasil and represents the worldview of the peoples of Northern Europe. In ancient times, it was also known as Phrae and was used to celebrate the birth of the god of the sun and fertility.
It is believed that during the eighth century, Saint Boniface decided to cut down one of these trees in the German region of Hesse to put an end to the worship of the gods, which was, from a Catholic point of view, pagan, as it was the period of German evangelization. In its place, he planted a spruce tree considered more suitable for Catholic worship.
With this work, he sought to symbolize God’s love. To do this, he decorated the tree with apples, representing original sin, and with candles, alluding to the light of Christ. Over time, these apples and candles were transformed into lights and ornaments, just like a modern Christmas tree. Later, home-made wreaths and decorations were added.
Furthermore, the Christmas tree also represents a meeting point for families and community groups, and a time when the community comes together, to give thanks for the past year, which is central to this celebration and the New Year.