The Conversation U.S.

Having a #Christmas tree is participating in one of the world’s oldest religious traditions, originating in ancient #WinterSolstice celebrations.

The modern Christmas tree has come full circle, carrying meanings both religious and secular, promoting brightness in literally the darkest time of the year for half of the world

Bonus: find out about Queen Victoria's role in making 🎄 a popular American custom
https://theconversation.com/the-christmas-tree-is-a-tradition-older-than-christmas-195636

The Christmas tree is a tradition older than Christmas

Evergreens have long served as symbols of life during the bleakness of winter. But Queen Victoria spurred the tradition that has become a global phenomenon.

The Conversation
Dec 16, 2022 at 3:05pmWeb
Show threadnhbDec 16, 2022
@TheConversationUS love learning that Puritans in England and America tried to police and ban trees at Christmas!
Show threadThe Conversation U.S.Dec 16, 2022
@nataliehb Here's more on that real #WarOnChristmas https://theconversation.com/why-the-puritans-cracked-down-on-celebrating-christmas-151359 #History #USHistory
Why the Puritans cracked down on celebrating Christmas

It was less about their asceticism and more about rejecting the world they had fled.

The Conversation
Show threadnhbDec 16, 2022
@TheConversationUS the same hypocrisy that defines today’s extremist, so called “Christians”, has its roots in the Puritans—seekers of religious freedoms who fled England, only to punish, banish and deny others their freedoms, if they who didn’t share Puritan views. Another great read!