Written by Lynn Allen, Executive Director/Curator Brown County Historical Society
It is the season when we begin to see all the magic of Christmas trees glistening with lights, and I love trees. So, I decided to share the Christmas tree’s legend. Evergreens have been a part of history and winter festivals for thousands of years. It pays tribute to the evergreen and its splendor, speculating that Christmas trees began to be seen across Northern Europe at least a thousand years ago. In the early years, they were hung upside down. If you could not afford the evergreen tree, you might improvise with a cherry or hawthorn plant or a branch of the plant. If you could not afford the evergreen or the plant, you could create a wooden pyramid structure and embellish it with paper, apples, and candles—the pyramid structures are designed to look like Paradise trees. The Paradise tree is said to represent the Garden of Eden.
Two towns, Tallinn and Riga, have claimed ownership of the tribute of the very first tree. Tallinn, located in Estonia, claims to have placed the first tree in 1441. Riga, located in Latvia, claims in 1510. The trees, after being placed in the town square by a group of men called the “Brotherhood of Blackheads,” the men were unmarried. The trees, located in the town square, were danced around and then lit on fire. In Riga, there is a plaque commemorating the tree ceremony. The plaque, recorded in eight different languages. The plaque’s inscription reads, “The first New Year’s tree in Riga, 1510.”
Another legend of the Christmas tree said a German preacher named Martin Luther was walking through the forest at Christmastime. Luther, it is said, saw the stars through the evergreen branches and reflected on the beauty and the critical significance. Martin Luther went home and shared the story with his children and the many ways it reminded him of Jesus.
There are so many other legends surrounding the Christmas tree and every tree, for that matter! Have you been out to the Ag Museum and Windmill Lane at 301 East Iowa Street to see the “Majestic Maple” and Clarence’s Bench, and many more treasures! Find them! As always, there is so much more to every story. Be sure to reach out and let me know what you discover! #HistoryMysteries
Pictured “Merry Christmas from Hiawatha” 2021 Ornament/Card Christmas Treasure. Image is the intellectual and physical property of Kate Miller, Artist. The keepsake ornaments and cards are still available through the HCVB. Artist Illustrator elaborates, “Being able to lend my talents to a non-profit like the HCVB brings me a lot of joy. I love my hometown, its history, how it comes together in times of challenge, and always looks towards the future. Often we take it all for granted, but in truth, it’s an attitude that isn’t universal around the world.
Forest of Words 