The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most cherished traditions is decorating the Christmas tree. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, selecting and adorning the perfect tree can be a joyful and memorable experience for everyone.
The history of the Christmas tree is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and crosses cultural boundaries. The tradition of bringing evergreen trees into homes and decorating them during the winter season has deep roots in various cultures and has evolved over time. Here is a brief overview of the history of the Christmas tree:
- The use of evergreen plants during the winter months has ancient origins. Many cultures, including the Egyptians, Romans, and Vikings, used evergreen boughs to symbolize life and renewal during the winter solstice.
- The tradition of the Christmas tree as we know it today is often traced back to Germany in the Middle Ages. Some accounts suggest that Germanic tribes would bring evergreen trees into their homes and decorate them with candles to ward off evil spirits during the darkest days of winter.
- A popular legend attributes the introduction of candles on Christmas trees to Martin Luther in the 16th century. The story goes that Luther was inspired by the beauty of stars twinkling through evergreen branches and, to recreate the scene for his family, he added candles to a tree.
- The tradition of decorating evergreen trees became more widespread in Germany and other parts of Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Trees were adorned with not only candles but also with fruits, nuts, and other decorations.
- The Christmas tree tradition was introduced to England in the 18th century through the marriage of Queen Charlotte, a German princess, to King George III. However, the custom did not immediately gain widespread popularity in England.
- German immigrants brought the Christmas tree tradition to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. The first documented Christmas tree in the United States was set up by German settlers in Pennsylvania in the 1830s.
- The Christmas tree gained more acceptance in England during the 19th century, particularly after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who was of German descent, were depicted with their decorated Christmas tree in a popular illustration in the Illustrated London News in 1848.
- In the 19th century, as the Christmas tree tradition spread, ornaments became more elaborate. Families would use handmade decorations, including paper ornaments, strings of popcorn, and small figurines.
- The introduction of electric lights in the 20th century replaced candles on Christmas trees, making them safer and more convenient. Additionally, the commercialization of Christmas, with the mass production of ornaments and decorations, contributed to the widespread popularity of Christmas trees.
Today, the Christmas tree is a central and beloved symbol of the holiday season in many parts of the world. Whether adorned with traditional decorations or modern ornaments, the Christmas tree continues to be a cherished tradition that brings joy and festive spirit to homes around the globe.
As the holiday season unfolds, decorating the Christmas tree becomes a heartwarming tradition that brings families and friends together. Whether you opt for the natural aroma of a real tree or the convenience of an artificial one, the joy of adorning it with twinkling lights and cherished ornaments is a universal experience. Happy decorating, and may your Christmas tree be a beacon of joy and festive spirit throughout the season!
Christmas Tree Decoration Crochet Pattern
Materials:
Sport weight yarn:
50 yards green
10 yards brown
Size F (3.75 mm) crochet hook
Beads
Styrofoam tree 4.17” tall
Gold pipe cleaner
Ribbon
Gauge: 1 crocodile repeat (3 rows) = 1″
Ornament measures approximately 4.5” tall (including tail).
SPECIAL STITCHES:
V-stitch: dc, ch 1, dc in same st
Crocodile stitch: Working from top to bottom of 1st dc of V-stitch of previous row, work 5 fpdc around post of 1st dc, ch 1, turn piece to work around 2nd dc of V-stitch, work 5 fpdc around post of 2nd dc.
Crocodile stitch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HN_SNZDW21w
Ultimate finish: https://youtu.be/jVpTr8mId3I
Directions:
Before beginning, thread 27 beads onto yarn. https://youtu.be/BIg1OG9asjY?si=a2UN1jh2DYGgSvTb
Rnd 1: Ch 36, join with sl st. Ch 1, sc in each ct, join with sl st (36 sc).
Rnd 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1), dc in same st (counts as first V-stitch), *sk 2 sts, V-stitch in next st,* repeat around, sk last 2 sts, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 (12 V-stitches).
Rnd 3: *Ch 1, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, ch 1, insert bead, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, sl st in center of next V-stitch,* repeat around (6 crocodiles).
Rnd 4: Ch 1, *2 sc across 1st half of crocodile st, 1 sc in center, 2 sc across 2nd half,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 5: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1), dc in same st (counts as first V-stitch), *sk 2 sts, V-stitch in next st,* repeat around, sk last 2 sts, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 (10 V-stitches).
Rnd 6: *Ch 1, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, ch 1, insert bead, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, sl st in center of next V-stitch,* repeat around (5 crocodiles).
Rnd 7: Ch 1, *2 sc across 1st half of crocodile st, 2 sc in center, 2 sc across 2nd half,* repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 8: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1), dc in same st (counts as first V-stitch), *sk 2 sts, V-stitch in next st,* repeat around, sk last 2 sts, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 (10 V-stitches).
Rnd 9: *Ch 1, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, ch 1, insert bead, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, sl st in center of next V-stitch,* repeat around (5 crocodiles).
Rnd 10: Ch 1, *2 sc across 1st half of crocodile st, 1 sc in center, 2 sc across 2nd half,* repeat around (25 sc).
Rnd 11: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1), dc in same st (counts as first V-stitch), *sk 2 sts, V-stitch in next st,* repeat around, sk last 3 sts, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 (8 V-stitches).
Rnd 12: *Ch 1, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, ch 1, insert bead, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, sl st in center of next V-stitch,* repeat around (4 crocodiles).
Rnd 13: Ch 1, *2 sc across 1st half of crocodile st, 2 sc in center, 2 sc across 2nd half,* repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 14: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1), dc in same st (counts as first V-stitch), *sk 2 sts, V-stitch in next st,* repeat around, sk last 2 sts, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 (8 V-stitches).
Rnd 15: *Ch 1, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, ch 1, insert bead, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, sl st in center of next V-stitch,* repeat around (4 crocodiles).
Rnd 16: Ch 1, *2 sc across 1st half of crocodile st, 2 sc in center, 2 sc across 2nd half,* repeat around (20 sc).
Rnd 17: Ch 4 (counts as dc plus ch-1), dc in same st (counts as first V-stitch), *sk 2 sts, V-stitch in next st,* repeat around, sk last 3 sts, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 (8 V-stitches).
Rnd 18: *Ch 1, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, ch 1, insert bead, 5 dc around post of 2nd dc of V-stitch, sl st in center of next V-stitch,* repeat around (3 crocodiles).
Rnd 19: Ch 1, *sc across 1st half of crocodile st, sc in center, sc across 2nd half,* repeat around (9 sc). Join with sl st. Close with Ultimate Finish.
Base:
Turn tree upside down and attach brown yarn in Rnd 1 in any lp. Working in unused lps of foundation ch, sc in each lp. Join with sl st.
Rnd 2: Working in BLO, ch 1, sc in each st. Do not join. Insert cone into tree.
Rnd 3: Working in both lps, sc in each st. Do not join.
Rnd 4: *Dec, sc in next 3 sts,* repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 5: *Dec, sc in next 2 sts,* repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 6: *Dec, sc in next st,* repeat around (12 sc).
Rnd 7: Dec around (6 sc). Close bottom with Ultimate Finish.
Weave in all ends.
Bend pipe cleaner into star shape and cut so you have approximately 1” extending down. Insert this part into top of tree.
If using tree as a hanging ornament, cut a piece of ribbon approximately 12” long and fold. Pull through top of tree behind star and tie off for hanger.
PDF is available free when you join My Fingers Fly Crochet Family on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/875538646117910
Christmas Tree Decorating Contest
Join us for all the fun in my group on Facebook. Download the free Christmas Tree Ornament pattern and use your creativity to decorate your ornament to suit your unique style! Post photos in the album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1009287103473286&type=3
The photo with the most likes by December 17 will receive a special Christmas gift bundle from My Fingers Fly.
Get creative and happy crocheting!!
More Free Ornament Patterns
Stuff the Stocking Blog Hop
It’s Day 2 of the Stuff the Stocking blog hop and today’s gorgeous design is by @juniperandoakes
This quick & easy crochet bookmark is a perfect stocking stuffer. You can whip a few of these up when you need a last-minute gift. The pattern features a granny circle and a ribbon with a tassel.
The pattern for the Granny Circle Bookmark is forever free to view on the designer’s blog.
Use the coupon code to get 50% off the PDF on Ravelry. The code is also good for 50% off the full Bookmark Bonanza Bundle (info on the designer’s post).
Find the coupon code on the blog hop roundup post : https://www.madamestitch.com/stocking-stuffers-blog-hop-2023
Cyber Sales
All ebook in my Ravelry shop are on sale for $9.99 through 11/30/2023.
https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lisa-ferrel
Want a gift for your favorite fiber artist? Check out my collection of shirts, tote bags, mugs, stickers, ornaments, and more at
https://www.myfingersfly.com/discount/CYBER2023
Use coupon code CYBER2023 to get 20% off.
In Case You Missed It
Get a free gift tag for wrapping your Angel Rattle.
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