The Christmas tree has a storied history. The very first decorated tree appeared in Latvia in 1510 B.C., more than five centuries ago. That said, Fraser firs, blue spruces, and balsams weren’t the only trees seen in those early years. Believe it or not, cherry and hawthorns were quite common at the time.

The Green Light

When it came to lights, the first flicker consisted of very small candles, carefully placed on branches around the mid-17th century. We eventually transitioned to electric lights in the late 1800s. An assistant of Thomas Edison, Edward Johnson, was behind this innovation, with mass production beginning in 1890.

A Prince, A Story, and A Star

The popularity of Christmas trees in American homes goes back to the mid-1800s. The tradition became a widespread festive trend after an engraving of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children gathered around a decorated tree with presents underneath was published in The Illustrated London News in 1848.

Well-known American cities soon followed the tradition. In 1913, the “Windy City’s” official tree was first lit by the mayor in Grant Park. New York’s official tree followed in 1933 at Rockefeller Center. In 2004, it was topped with a 550-pound Swarovski crystal star, which was replaced in 2018 with a new 900-pound lit ornament.

The White House Goes Green

The history and traditions that surround this iconic symbol don’t stop there. In 1856, our 14th President, Franklin Pierce, was the very first to place the Christmas tree in the White House. In 1979, our National Christmas Tree was left unlit, with the exception of its top ornament, a lone star. This gesture paid tribute to the Americans being held hostage in Iran.

Home Grown 

Every one of our fifty states grows native Christmas trees, including Alaska and Hawaii. And 98% of those trees are grown on farms that employ in total more than 100,000 individuals in full or part-time capacities. Species of these native trees vary by region, from Fraser firs in the Appalachians to pines and cedars in our southern states.

In Closing

From its earliest appearances to its place in homes, parks, and national landmarks, the Christmas tree has remained a symbol of connection and hope. It’s a tradition shaped by time, culture, and the people who gather around it, year after year.

Every one of us at Maycreate hopes you’ve enjoyed exploring the history behind this iconic symbol. We want to extend a Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas. Until then, “O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You Fill My Heart With Music.”