O Christmas Tree: Its History and Holiday Traditions
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Overview
For many, the sight of an evergreen tree decorated with shiny ornaments and colorful lights brings to mind children awaiting Santa Claus, carolers spreading cheer, and cozy nights by the fire. How this tradition started is a much different story. OChristmas Tree explores the natural history and various traditions —from the tree's origins to the first tree lights and decorations — that led to the celebrations people enjoy today.
Synopsis
For many, the sight of an evergreen tree decorated with shiny ornaments and colorful lights brings to mind children awaiting Santa Claus, carolers spreading cheer, and cozy nights by the fire. How this tradition started is a much different story. OChristmas Tree explores the natural history and various traditions —from the tree's origins to the first tree lights and decorations — that led to the celebrations people enjoy today.
Children's Literature
Did you know that today's Christmas tree had its genesis in 1300 BCE when Egyptians festooned their homes with palm leaves during the winter solstice? Or that the red-and-green colors of the holiday evolved out of the medieval apple-hung Paradise Tree? Author Jacqueline Farmer shares these and other fascinating facts in this history of an enduring tradition. She also takes readers behind the scenes to a modern tree farm to reveal how evergreens are planted, tended, harvested and sold in present-day America. Gouache illustrations by Joanne Friar softly illumine the subject like old-fashioned candles on a 19th century tree. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 2–5—Beginning with the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who decorated with palm and evergreen branches at the winter solstice, readers learn about the customs and traditions through the centuries that led to the modern Christmas tree and various decorations, including popcorn, blown-glass ornaments, and electric lights, as well as trees made of feathers, plastic, and aluminum. The last section is devoted to the planting, care, and harvesting of trees. Friar's gouache illustrations have plenty of detail, but are a little awkward in scale. In all, an interesting look at a very specific part of the Christmas celebration.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public LibraryChildren's Literature -
Did you know that today's Christmas tree had its genesis in 1300 BCE when Egyptians festooned their homes with palm leaves during the winter solstice? Or that the red-and-green colors of the holiday evolved out of the medieval apple-hung Paradise Tree? Author Jacqueline Farmer shares these and other fascinating facts in this history of an enduring tradition. She also takes readers behind the scenes to a modern tree farm to reveal how evergreens are planted, tended, harvested and sold in present-day America. Gouache illustrations by Joanne Friar softly illumine the subject like old-fashioned candles on a 19th century tree. Reviewer: Mary QuattlebaumKirkus Reviews
This carefully researched and attractively illustrated historical view of a familiar Christmas tradition conveys a large amount of information within the oversized picture-book format. The historical background explains the evolution of the custom from evergreen branches in Egypt and Rome to early Christmas trees in Germany. The rise in popularity of the trees in the United States includes Christmas trees at the White House and the changing styles of trees. Growing methods, the most popular kinds of trees and the difficulties faced by tree farmers are also described. The final pages include Christmas-tree trivia and a short resource list. Friar's gouache paintings provide additional details, succeeding in both the appealing historical scenes and in the more scientifically oriented spreads about tree farming. Bids fair to be a real workhorse for library holiday collections. (Informational picture book. 5-9)