Christmas Tree Legend The history of the modern Christmas tree goes back to the 16th century in Germany. There was a widespread practice of bringing evergreens or a fir-tree, into houses for decoration during the Christmas period. The earliest decorations hung on a tree in that time were: "paper roses, apples, gilt, sugar lumps" Eventually the tree was lavishly decorated, first with candles and candies. Later, with glittering mass-produced ornaments and garlands.        The success of Christmas tree in Protestant countries was enhanced by the legend which attributed the tradition to Martin Luther himself. It is a popular belief that Martin Luther was the first to add lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the sight of the stars twinkling amidst the evergreens. When he arrived home he placed a tree in their main room and wired its branches with lighted candles so that his family could enjoy the sight.        England's Queen Victoria and husband Prince Albert, made the Christmas Tree very popular. The German immigrants brought the Christmas tree to America in the 17th century. Later the Pennsylvania Germans initiated the Christmas tree custom in America. Finland (in 1906) was the country who first used outdoor trees, brightly lit with electric candles.         Legends Index To Return to ... Serendipity