[LifeStlye] Christmas: when is the tree disarmed?

[Inkriql]

 

Most of the houses are decorated with ornaments and lights waiting for the gifts that Santa Claus brings. In different countries they have the habit of arming and disarming it on different dates.

In the case of Argentina, the date on which Christmas decorations are dusted off to brighten homes is December 8, the same day that the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin is celebrated.

 

 

It is a very important day for Christians, which would explain why it is chosen as the closing of the Holidays that marks the time to put away the Christmas decorations. According to legend, the three Wise Men, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, visited Jesus days after he was born, on January 6. They arrived with gifts of all kinds for the newborn, guided by the star of Bethlehem that announced the arrival of the Son of God on Earth. At present, that tradition is maintained, where boys and girls eagerly await gifts in honor of Jesus' encounter with the Kings.

Origin of the Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree comes from the Nordic countries, specifically from the winter solstice celebrations. Centuries ago, Celtic peoples cut down oak trees and brought them into their homes to decorate them with fruit and candles. In this way, they look for some way to "revive" them and ensure that they will bloom during the following summer. For this reason, the Christmas tree is considered an adaptation of the tree of life and even of the universe.

This tradition arises from Norse mythology, it is known as Yggdrasil and -to a large extent- it represents the worldview of the peoples of northern Europe. In ancient times, it was also known as Frey and was used to celebrate the birth of the god of the Sun and fertility.

 

It is believed that, during the 8th century, Saint Boniface decided to cut down one of these trees in the German town of Hesse to end the worship of gods that, from the point of view of Christianity, were pagans, since it was a period marked by the evangelization of Germany. In its place, he placed a fir tree, considering it more appropriate for Christian worship.

With this action, he sought to symbolize the love of God. For this, he decorated it with apples, which represented original sin; and with candles, alluding to the light of Christ. Over time, those apples and candles turned into lights and balls, just like a current Christmas tree looks like. Later the garlands and homemade decorations were added.

In addition, the Christmas tree is also a family or solidarity meeting point, and with a moment of sharing in the community in which it is sought to give thanks for the year lived, something that is part of the axes of this celebration and of New Year's.

 

https://www.lanacion.com.ar/lifestyle/navidad-cuando-se-desarma-el-arbolito-nid04012023/