Decorating a Christmas tree is a tradition that many families partake in during the holiday season. However, there are some fascinating facts about Christmas trees that many people may not know. Let’s explore these interesting truths together.
1. The first Christmas tree was actually not a tree at all. It was created by the Germans using the feathers of deceased geese.
2. Before the invention of electricity and flashing lights, Christmas trees were decorated with candles to create a shimmering, warm glow. Of course, this would completely kill the tree, and afterward, it could only serve as firewood or fencing, unable to be replanted for the following season.
The species of fir can withstand temperatures as low as -196 degrees Celsius.
3. The species of fir can withstand temperatures as low as -196 degrees Celsius. This incredible cold tolerance allows fir trees in the northern Siberian forests, where winter temperatures drop to -60 degrees Celsius, to survive. Richard Strimbeck, a biologist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, suggests that this cold resistance likely comes from the trees’ cells transforming into a “glassy” state.
Here, the term “glassy” refers to a solid that is transparent. However, the cells are not crystal-structured; they are composed of sugars, proteins, and water molecules, rather than silica like actual glass.
“Once the molecules are in a glassy state, they cannot move, which means they cannot react,” Strimbeck explains. Before freezing, the tree’s metabolism slows down, preventing cellular damage in extreme cold conditions. As winter approaches, the tree also expels water from its cells to surrounding tissues to help protect the cell walls.
Christmas trees can become “glassy.”
4. The Christmas tree is home to the tarantula spider in southern Siberia. Christmas trees and tarantula spiders often appear together like two peas in a pod. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains between East Tennessee and North Carolina (USA), the spruce trees, some reaching heights of 1,645 meters, are also home to the smallest tarantula species in the world – the Microhexura montivaga.
With a length of just under ¼ cm, Microhexura montivaga is critically endangered and very difficult to catch. They are primarily found on mountain tops, living in small communities. The native Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) and red spruce (Picea rubens) keep the rocks and moss below cool and damp, providing a perfect habitat for the spiders.
The Christmas tree is home to the tarantula spider in southern Siberia.
5. A shocking report from New York University reveals that Christmas trees can be deadly due to “Christmas Tree Syndrome.” This syndrome causes a range of illnesses, including dangerous pneumonia. Research indicates that a type of mold found on Christmas trees can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so caution is advised.
6. On average, about 36 million Christmas trees are sold each year, and it takes 7 to 10 years for these trees to be replenished.
7. Every year, a beautiful Christmas tree from Norway is sent to England as a gift and a gesture of thanks. This is considered a symbol of friendship, expressing gratitude for England’s assistance to Norway during World War II.
8. Christmas trees have appeared in the Guinness World Records.
According to Guinness, there have been many Christmas trees around the world that have set records that will surprise you. Here are some of the record-breaking Christmas trees:
- The largest natural Christmas tree in the world: This record was confirmed for the Christmas tree located at the bustling Northgate shopping center in Seattle, Washington. Standing at 67.36 meters tall, this Christmas tree was recorded in the Guinness World Records in December 1950.
- The largest artificial Christmas tree in the world: This tree is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It stands approximately 72.1 meters tall and was showcased during the Christmas season of 2016. To create this masterpiece, 150 workers labored day and night, and its value was around $8,000 (equivalent to about 1.8 billion VND).
The tallest tree in the world reaches 99.7m, growing in softwood forest in Coos County, Oregon, USA.
9. The Christmas tree can reach heights of 130 meters. Most Christmas trees used for decoration are around 10 years old. With the right care and conditions, these trees can grow as tall as other ancient trees.
The tallest tree in the world reaches 99.7 meters and grows in a softwood forest in Coos County, Oregon, USA. Meanwhile, trees planted near the coast can reach heights of up to 115 meters. According to a study in 2004, trees can grow up to 130 meters, but they can’t grow taller due to gravitational effects that make it difficult to push water higher.
10. The Christmas tree creates its own ecosystem. A Christmas tree with a shade equal to that of a soccer field creates a distinct ecosystem. “It’s like there’s a whole other community of organisms up in the tree,” says Brian French, a professional climber and plant researcher.
Brian French adds that for trees taller than 30 meters, the forest floor beneath is wet and loose, while at the treetops, the continuous wind creates cool, dry air. Tree hollows and branches provide excellent hiding spots for birds, owls, flying squirrels, mice, and more. Additionally, lichen thrives on these mature trees, providing winter food for various flying squirrel species.
Researchers are currently concerned that climate change could affect native evergreens.
11. Christmas trees may be affected by future climate. Researchers are currently worried that climate change could impact native evergreens. If winter temperatures are not cold enough, some tree species may not receive the necessary signals to “wake up” in spring.
Temperature also affects tree growth. Both cooler and warmer temperatures alter the physiological development of trees. Excessively high temperatures can harm spruce, fir, and their relatives simply because these types of trees do not tolerate heat well.
12. The use of evergreens to celebrate during winter dates back to before the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas trees symbolize fertility, resilience, and the ability to sprout and flourish despite adversity.
13. In some places, Christmas trees were hung up, even upside down. In the southwestern regions of Germany during the 17th and 18th centuries, it was common to hang small Christmas trees from ceilings or rooftops, particularly among the lower social classes. This may seem excessive, but it kept gifts and decorations out of reach of children.
14. Christmas gifts were once placed inside the tree, not underneath it. In the early decades of Christmas in America, gifts were hung on the branches of the Christmas tree rather than placed beneath it. News reports from the 1870s often mentioned “giant Christmas trees covered in gifts,” including candy, dolls, and various toys. Even fruit and sweets were hung around the tree, and children would simply ‘pick’ them from the tree to enjoy.
This tree is located in the main lobby of the Emirates Palace Hotel – Abu Dhabi.
15. The Most Expensive Christmas Tree in the World: Living up to its reputation as one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to the most expensive Christmas tree globally. This tree is displayed in the main lobby of the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Standing at 13 meters tall, it is adorned with 181 diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and various other precious stones. The estimated value of this tree reaches up to $11.4 million.
With Christmas 2023 approaching, have you learned about how to decorate a Christmas tree? Let’s explore the decoration methods that we provide.
16. Christmas Trees Were First Sold Commercially in 1851: One reason why using Christmas trees as decorations took a long time to become popular was that most families were reluctant to search for and cut down a tree themselves. This began to change in 1851 when a lumberjack from the Catskill Mountains in New York brought dozens of fir and spruce trees from his hometown (originally used for making wooden barrels) to Washington Market in New York. Those trees sold out quickly and sparked the growth of Christmas tree farms across the country.
17. Christmas Trees Generate Huge Profits: Each year, approximately 25 to 36 million Christmas trees are sold in the United States, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, generating an estimated revenue of about $1 billion (equivalent to 22.7 trillion VND). These trees are cultivated on nearly 15,000 farms across all 50 states, with the largest production areas including Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.
18. Christmas Trees Require a Lot of Water: On average, a tree needs at least 1.135 liters of water for every inch of trunk diameter each day. This amount surpasses the water retention capability of most pots sold in the market. Among 30 pots tested by tree pathology researcher Gary Chastagner at Washington State University, only 2 types of pots could hold enough water. About a quarter of those pots couldn’t even contain sufficient water for the smallest tree varieties.
