Holidays

Christmas Trees

Holidays
Christmas Trees
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Did you know? In the early 1900s, some people were so worried about the fire hazards of real candles on trees that they tried to use slices of raw potatoes as candle holders, hoping the moisture would keep the branches from catching fire. elaborate

Fact 1 of 26

26 facts about Christmas Trees

  1. 1
    The reason your Christmas tree smells so wonderfully piney is actually a chemical defense mechanism used by the tree to produce terpenes that act as a natural insect repellent.
  2. 2
    There is a rare tradition where some families hang a single hidden pickle ornament deep in the branches, and the first child to find it on Christmas morning gets an extra present.
  3. 3
    Botanically speaking, the needles on a conifer are adapted with a thick waxy coating and a reduced surface area to prevent moisture loss through transpiration in cold or dry conditions.
  4. 4
    In some parts of the world, people decorate their trees with popcorn strings, but if you leave them up too long, you might find local squirrels or mice trying to join the festivities.
  5. 5
    Many people think Christmas trees are just for decoration, but they are actually a type of crop that farmers replant immediately after harvesting to ensure a continuous supply.
  6. 6
    Christmas trees can grow for up to 15 years before they are finally tall enough to be sold as a centerpiece for your living room.
  7. 7
    Some people think trees are always cut down from wild forests, but 98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms specifically for the holiday season.
  8. 8
    Before tinsel was made of plastic, it was originally made from real shredded silver, which caused the government to ban it during World War II so the metal could be used for the war effort.
  9. 9
    In some countries, it is customary to decorate the tree with spider webs, which are considered a sign of good luck for the coming year.
  10. 10
    Evergreen trees were used in ancient times during winter solstices to remind people that the sun would return and plants would grow again.
  11. 11
    It is widely believed that Prince Albert brought the tree tradition to England, but it was actually Queen Charlotte who first introduced it to the royal court in the 1700s.
  12. 12
    Some clever pets think the Christmas tree is an indoor playground, leading to many funny photos of cats hiding deep inside the lower branches.
  13. 13
    A Christmas tree's pleasant scent comes from terpenes, which are chemical compounds released by the needles to protect the tree from pests.
  14. 14
    Trees are sometimes sprayed with a non-toxic colorant if they aren't green enough, a process called 'greening' that makes them look vibrant for buyers.
  15. 15
    Many people think the star on top of the tree represents the North Star, but it traditionally represents the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.
  16. 16
    You can turn your old Christmas tree into a fish habitat by sinking it into a private pond, where the branches provide protection for small fish.
  17. 17
    Some people think that fake trees are always better for the environment, but a real tree has a much smaller carbon footprint unless you keep a plastic one for over 20 years.
  18. 18
    The needles on a Christmas tree are actually modified leaves that stay attached for several years, which is why most species remain green year-round.
  19. 19
    The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is recycled after the holidays by being milled into lumber for Habitat for Humanity houses.
  20. 20
    When a tree is freshly cut, it can consume up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, so checking the stand daily is vital for freshness.
  21. 21
    Most Christmas tree farms are located in rural areas where the trees provide a habitat for birds and small mammals throughout their long growth cycle.
  22. 22
    Real Christmas trees are grown on farms just like any other crop, meaning buying a real tree supports agriculture rather than deforestation.
  23. 23
    The first artificial Christmas trees were created in Germany during the 19th century by dying goose feathers green to look like pine needles.
  24. 24
    The tradition of the Christmas tree is often mistakenly attributed to the 16th-century reformer Martin Luther, but the practice actually evolved from medieval 'Paradise plays' where fir trees were decorated with apples to represent the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden.
  25. 25
    It takes an average of six to eight years for a Christmas tree to reach a height of six or seven feet, and for every tree harvested, farmers usually plant one to three new seedlings in its place.
  26. 26
    In the early 1900s, some people were so worried about the fire hazards of real candles on trees that they tried to use slices of raw potatoes as candle holders, hoping the moisture would keep the branches from catching fire.
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