Germany's
Tannenbaum (Christmas Tree)
Germany's
Tannenbaum (Christmas Tree)The German religious reformer Martin Luther
(1483-1546) is often credited with starting the Christmas tree custom,
but the first appearance of a Tannenbaum was recorded in Germany many years
after Luther's death. It was in 1605 in Strasbourg in Alsace, then in Germany,
that a chronicler wrote (in old German): "Auff Weihenachten richtett man
Dahnnenbäum zu Strasburg in den Stuben auff..." ("At Christmas they
set up Christmas trees in their rooms...").
But it is likely that the custom dates
back to at least around 1550, since the first of several "Tannenbaum"
ballads was circulating in print at that time. By the 19th century this
custom had spread across most of Germany and beyond. Several royal Germans
are credited with helping extend the tree decorating custom beyond Germany's
borders. The Duchess of Orleans (from Mecklenburg) brought it to Paris,
while other Germanic royals brought the Christmas tree to England and other
European countries. But it was commoners–emigrants from Germany–who brought
the Weihnachtsbaum to America.
The Austrians, Germans, and Swiss are
slowly using more "electric candles" for tree decoration, but many a Germanic
Christbaum continues to glow with the warm light of real wax candles. (Germans
use special candle holders and have learned how to do this safely; the
candles are not left to burn for a long time or without someone in the
room.)
The use of evergreens as a Christmas symbol
of everlasting life goes back much further than even 1550s, but still with
a Germanic connection. St. Boniface is said to have introduced the use
of evergreens in connection with his efforts to Christianize the Germanic
tribes in the 8th century. He dedicated the fir tree (Tannenbaum) to the
Christ Child, displacing the pagan oak tree of Odin.
A more recent "old" Bavarian tradition
is the so-called "Bride's Tree," upon which a dozen special ornaments are
hung to help ensure a better life for a married couple. The 12 ornaments
and their symbolic significance are: angel (God's guidance), bird (joy),
fish (Christ's blessing), flower basket (good wishes), fruit basket (generosity),
heart (true love), house (protection), pine cone (fruitfulness), rabbit
(hope), rose (affection), Santa (goodwill), and teapot (hospitality). Special
hand-blown glass ornaments in these forms are still produced in Bavaria.
"O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit."
Text: Ernst Anschütz, Leipzig, 1824,
set to a traditional tune.
Various "Tannenbaum" songs and ballads
date from 1550.