In Germany, Christmas celebrations begin on December 6th known as St. Nicholas Day.

Did you know the custom of decorating a Christmas tree originated in Germany?

Although, neither an inventor nor a single town can be identified as the sole origin for the tradition but it’s believed the custom began in 16th century Germany.

One legend tells how Martin Luther, a 16th-century Protestant reformer first added candles to a tree. During an evening stroll through a forest in Riga, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst the evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he placed the tree in the main room and tied its branches with lit candles.

By the 19th century, the custom became widespread throughout Germany and around the world.

Today, the Christmas tree is a popular tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas.

Some of the most famous Christmas trees include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City, the large Christmas tree at Victoria Square in Adelaide and the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square in London which is donated every year by the city of Oslo.

Related posts:

1. Szaloncukor: Hungarian Christmas Candy
2. Traditional Christmas Customs of Central and Eastern Europe
3. Christmas Photos from Central & Eastern Europe