The Hindu : Karnataka News : Symbol of festive spirit

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Friday, Dec 24, 2010
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Symbol of festive spirit

The Christmas tree is a symbol of the decorations and the spirit of the festivity surrounding it. The origin of this tradition can be traced back to somewhere in North Germany in the 16th Century, although it gained popularity only sometime in the 19th Century. Today, every Christian and non-Christian home that celebrates Christmas makes it a point to put up their tree in the early days of the holiday season.

You can buy your Christmas tree from a nearby nursery or gift shop or from any party supplies or décor store.

No Christmas tree is ever complete without the trimmings and lights. Christmas decorations make for a large segment of the business during the season. From tinsel and holly to mistletoe and electrical lights, everything is available in such abundance that it is hard not to pick up something to give your home a festive and cheery air. Some people also recreate the nativity scene with models or dolls.

Others hang up decorative stockings above the fireplace, as they believe that Santa will slide down the chimney and fill their stockings with gifts. The Christmas decorations for your home will be available in plenty at shops specialising in party supplies or décor.

Carol-singing is a significant part of the Christmas celebrations.

The earliest examples of Christmas music can be seen in the form of hymns that were recited in 4th Century Rome. These evolved into rhythmic stanzas, and slowly, in the 12th Century, a Parisian monk developed them into what closely resembles the carols we sing today.

John Awdlay, in 1426, was the first person to list down carols in the English language.

By the 19th Century, the practice of carol-singing was firmly established, and today, music is an integral part of the revelry.

SUDHINDR AB

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