Today I overheard someone telling about how Christmas trees became a thing. Apparently, it was to be a reminder that new life would come in the spring or something. But here's my question: how did it become a thing?
Even if it was a "let's remember that spring will be green" thing, it had to start somewhere. So, did some family just feel really gloomy and need some cheering up so they put up a tree? And then their neighbor came by and was like, "Hey, that's cool! I like that! It makes me feel hopeful, like there will be new life in the spring" and put one up? And then they told their family and friends and soon everybody was doing it?
Or was there some farmer who wanted to clear some land, but didn't want to cut all of those trees into firewood, so he cut them down and convinced everyone that they were a symbol of new life and got them to buy them?
Did some religion somewhere just really love the smell of pine trees? Was it some kind of self-inflicted punishment, because you had to sweep up all the pine needles? I mean, who looked at a tree and said, "Hey. Let's cut that down and put it up in our house [because that totally speaks of new life] so that we can remember that there will be new life in the spring! And, while we're at it, why don't we stick some candles on it?!" Was there a committee? An election? A whole town or province or country all handed in their ballot, "Yes, I am in favor of starting this tradition"?
I mean, seriously. Traditions start somewhere and probably not with all the symbolism we attribute to them. It's probably just a few people looking for something fun and meaningful to do and then somehow word spreads and a couple centuries later, stores are throwing merch out in September for a holiday that's in December and everyone is having fun with it (because we are. I LOVE Christmas trees! And lights! And ornaments!).
I just wondered, is all.
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