A tree in your house went from niche to international tradition.
How exactly did Christmas trees become a tradition? After all, it’s a little weird to invite such a large plant inside your house.
The practice has roots as a German custom, but it’s how it made it out of Germany that’s really interesting. It involves royal marriages, a viral illustration, and even a bit of mass immigration too. Watch the above video to learn more.
Further reading:
Check out the book where the Christmas tree illustration first appeared in America.
Here’s a short narrative about President Roosevelt’s “banning” of Christmas trees:
You can actually read all of Queen Victoria’s journals online, though it requires a British IP address or academic credentials.
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