The History and Traditions of Putting Tinsel on Trees

Tinsel-decorating Christmas trees is a time-honored custom that has existed for centuries. Tinsel is a thin, shiny sort of metallic thread that is frequently used to give Christmas trees, wreaths, and other seasonal decorations a brilliant appearance. But whence did this custom originate? What makes us continue use it today?

Tinsel was first created from actual silver in Germany in the 17th century, where it became a Christmas tree decoration tradition. At that time, silver tinsel, hanging from the branches to produce a glittering look, was a luxury that could only be afforded by the wealthy. Tinsel eventually began to be produced using different materials, including copper, aluminum, and plastic, lowering the cost and increasing accessibility.

When President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree on the lawn of the White House in 1923, the custom of adorning a national Christmas tree began in the United States. Since then, families have made it a custom to adorn their own Christmas trees with tinsel and other decorations, and the President lights the National Christmas Tree.

Depending on the species of tree, it may take 8 to 12 years to grow an 8-foot Christmas tree. It takes about 10 years for some of the most popular Christmas tree types, like the Fraser fir and Balsam fir, to reach the proper height. Other species, like the Virginia pine, have a faster rate of growth and can grow to a height of 8 feet in just 5 to 6 years.

The United States, Canada, and Denmark are the three countries that export the most Christmas trees. Compared to Canada and the United States, which each export about 3–4 million Christmas trees annually, Denmark exports about 10 million trees annually.

The Leyland cypress, which can grow up to 3 feet each year, is the fastest-growing type of Christmas tree. Because it can resist heat and drought better than other species, this plant is well-liked in the southern United States.

In conclusion, decorating Christmas trees with tinsel is a time-honored custom that brightens the holiday season. Even though the custom has changed throughout the years, it is still a treasured component of Christmas celebrations everywhere.