THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC.

The tradition of the Christmas tree in the Czech Republic came to their homes in the 19th century. Although tree decoration at that time was based on ancient pagan traditions, the tree as a symbol of Christmas came into Czech homes only for wealthy bourgeois families. The tradition of tree decoration as it is known today comes from Livonia (Estonia, Latvia) and Germany. Today it is also customary to place large Christmas trees in the squares of most of their cities. The first Christmas tree was planted in the Czech Republic in 1924, in the square of Námêstí Svobody. Gifts were left underneath the tree.

Nowadays the tradition of the Christmas tree is considered a Christian custom, but this wasn't the case before. The Christmas tree carries with it the tradition that the one who has a decorated tree does not expect anything bad and will protect it from evil forces. The branches of conifers are symbols of eternal life. In earlier times trees were used for pagan celebrations by Celts and Germans. They were even used to adore gods.

The mention as Christmas tree comes from Bremen, in 1570 associated with a legend. And although Germany is next to the Czech Republic, it took many years for the tradition to arrive. The first Czech Christmas tree arrived in the year 1812. And it was Jan Karel Leibich, director of the state theater, who planted it for his friends in the castle of Libeń. However, this custom came to Czech families decades later. Trees at that time were decorated with paper ornaments, gingerbread, fruit and candles. Now they usually decorate their trees with glass balls, Christmas ornaments and are wrapped with colorful garlands.

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