O Christmas Tree

Explore the roots of the modern Christmas tree! When did people really start putting up Christmas trees--and why? From ancient Egyptian and Roman winter solstice customs to the eleventh-century European miracle plays and sixteenth-century New Year's customs that gave us decorated trees full of candlelight, Jacqueline Farmer walks through the histories and cultures that combined to produce the current-day practice of the Christmas tree. Beautiful illustrations capture the magic and festivity of the holiday season. Includes information about how these special evergreens are grown and harvested. Back matter includes fun facts and a list of further reading.