In article it is told about ancient customs connected with a fir-tree ornament.
The MAIN CHARACTER of the HOLIDAY – the FIR-TREE
For Christians the fir-tree symbolizes a paradise tree, a source of vital force, light and pleasure. Custom to dress up it for Christmas arose, apparently, in Germany. Tell that the beginning of this tradition was put by Martin Luther who has decorated a fir-tree with candles in 1513. On a top of a fir-tree set up a star – in memory of the Bethlehem star which has specified a way to magicians to a cave in which Jesus was born. And burning candles and small lamps – it is fires of the fires shining with it on the night road. Originally a fir-tree decorated with twelve candles according to number of months in a year. Among branches placed figures of the angels glorifying God, and the shepherds, come to bow to baby Jesus. Over time on branches nuts, apples and sweets in a golden and silver foil, on change which brilliant spheres came began to appear. Custom to decorate a Christmas tree extended on the world, and in tropical countries she had "dvoyyonik" in the form of palm trees, stone pines, metrosiderosov and coffee trees.