In the UK you might think that tinsel and baubles adorn everyone’s Christmas tree. However traditional Christmas tree decorations from around the world are as varied as a box of Quality Street.
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Modern Christmas trees are believed to have originated in 16th century Germany. originate in the They then catapulted into popularity in the UK during the 1800s.
Around eight million Christmas trees are grown in the UK for the festive season, and 30 million sold in the USA. That’s not to mention the trees being sold and decorated in the rest of the world.
Each corner of the world that celebrates Christmas has its own way of decorating there Christmas tree. Traditional Christmas tree decorations from around the world include everything from seashells in Australia to spiders in Ukraine.
Image credit: David Brittain
‘Most countries have their own traditions which they follow when it comes to the festive tree,’ says a spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk. ‘From cobwebs to apples, to candles and cotton, there’s a really interesting mix. Maybe try adopting a few this year – you’ll certainly have a tree with a unique twist.’
Here is a guide to some of the traditional Christmas tree decorations from around the world:
Norway
The home of the Christmas tree that is gifted to London every year and stands in Trafalgar square. Norwegians typically decorate their trees on Christmas Eve.
The parents are usually the ones hanging the baubles, while the children wait patiently outside. When the tree is trimmed, they all join hands and sing carols as they walk around the tree.
Image credit: Joanna Henderson
USA
We’ve all seen the traditional Christmas films with families cheerily threading pieces of popcorn together. In the States, Christmas trees are regularly adorned with garlands of popcorn.
The tradition is believed to have originated in the 1950s when outdoor trees were decorated for birds and wildlife.
Italy
Instead of simply a star or angel atop the Christmas tree, in Italy, all the decorations are centred around the nativity scene.
Australia
Christmas dinner down under is famously spent on the beach in Summer. Instead of little snowmen and robins, seashell ornaments are a far more natural decoration for the tree.
Image credit: Polly Eltes
France
Across the channel, fruit sits pride of place on Christmas trees. In the past real fruit used to be used, but it is now more common for people to use fruit ornaments – particularly red apples.
Germany
Real candles typically adorn traditional Christmas trees in Germany. However, most households have opted for electric light decorations to avoid the potential fire risk.
Ukraine
The most bizarre Christmas tree decoration tradition we’ve come across is in Ukraine. Here spider and spider-webs, believed to bring good luck and fortune in the coming year adorn the tree.
Image credit: David Brittain
Brazil
It might be hot and sunny in Brazil, but to get into the festive spirit pine trees are decorated with pieces of cotton to mimic falling snow.
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Will you be adopting any of these traditions into your Christmas tree decorations?=
