Unusual Christmas Tree Decorations from Around the World
19th Dec 2024
Unusual Christmas Tree Decorations from Around the World
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees has long been embedded in Catholic culture. Around Christmas, you’ll even see decorated trees on city streets in countries where Catholicism isn’t the dominant religion. Most trees are adorned with baubles and Christmas lights. However, in different parts of the world, you’ll find additional decorations on Christmas trees that are uncommon in other countries. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at some of these unique traditions.
Australia
Yes! In Australian homes, it’s common to hang shells and shell ornaments on Christmas trees – something rare for residents of central Europe! Many Europeans also forget that pine or spruce trees are hard to come by in Australia, and local shrubs are often used instead as Christmas trees.
Brazil
Brazilians, like some Australians, face the challenge of celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer, without the cold and snow. It’s a bit harder to create that “real” Christmas atmosphere on a hot day. To get around this, they decorate their trees with white cotton wool to mimic snow.
China
In China, relatively few people celebrate Christmas. However, as Christmas has become such a commercial event worldwide, you can still see decorated Christmas trees in major cities. They are called “Light Trees” and are decorated with traditional red lanterns and paper chains. In Chinese culture, red symbolises happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.
France
The French love to uphold the original Christmas tree tradition – hanging apples, symbolising the Garden of Eden. Even if they’re not real apples, you’ll often seeglass baubles shaped like apples. The first officially erected Christmas tree in France always appears in Strasbourg, and it’s always decorated with apples.
Finland
The Finnish love minimalism, and this is evident in their Christmas decorations. Many Finns choosetraditional straw decorations over handmade baubles. Straw mobiles spin gracefully on the branches of the Christmas tree, and some are hung above the festive table
India
In India, it’s hard to find the same evergreen species known in Europe. Hindus who want to decorate a Christmas tree often choose a banana or mango tree. They cover the branches with white wool to mimic snow and hang colourful handmade ornaments. Only wealthier residents can affordluxury handmade Christmas baubles.
Germany
Among the many Christmas decorations at German Christmas markets, you can sometimes findglass baubles shaped like… pickles. These are a reference to an old, rarely practised local tradition. The person decorating the tree would hang a pickle along with the usual decorations. Once the tree was ready, the other family members would search for the pickle among the branches. The first one to find it was said to have good fortune in the coming year.
Ukraine
On Ukrainian Christmas trees, you’ll often see crystal spiders andglass baubles with spider web designs. These are inspired by a Ukrainian legend about the Christmas spider. The story tells of a poor family who couldn’t afford to decorate their Christmas tree. However, when they woke up on Christmas morning, they discovered the tree was covered in intricately spun webs that shimmered in the morning light. Since then, spider webs have been associated with good luck and fulfilled dreams.
United States
Although the tradition is fading, you can still see Christmas trees in the United States adorned with garlands made from popcorn. These were especially common during the Great Depression when many families had to save money, even on Christmas decorations. Today, some households still hang at least one popcorn garland as a symbolic gesture, despite the wide availability of baubles in stores.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, people decorate their Christmas trees with homemade cookies strung on thread. According to local legends, these cookies are a snack for Santa Claus, who arrives with presents by boat… from Spain. The cookies are baked at the beginning of December.
Greece
Although the tradition of decorating Christmas trees has long been established in Greece, the people of Crete also maintain another local custom. In the past, the main home decoration was a karavaki – a small wooden boat adorned with lights. It symbolised the sea and everything the island relied on from it. It also served to protect the family from dangers coming from the water. Nowadays, many Cretans have both a Christmas tree and a karavaki in their homes during the holidays.
Norway
Norwegians have always had a close connection with nature, so it’s rare to find plastic, non-eco-friendly baubles in their homes. If they do choose baubles, they tend to go forglass Christmas baubles. However, they usually decorate their Christmas trees with ornaments made from natural materials like wood and straw. Wooden baubles often take the shape of animals or small toys. Interestingly, Norwegian homeowners are more likely to decorate outdoor trees than the ones inside their homes.