The practice of decorating a home with pine boughs predates the more modern idea of the Christmas tree by centuries. By the 1600s, the Protestant population of Germany embraced the idea of bringing a tree into the home and decorating it, setting in motion the development of a grand Western tradition that has spread beyond Europe and North America, and fuels an entire industry of tree farms and the manufacture of artificial trees. If you’re celebrating Christmas today, we wish you a merry one.
Happy holidays!
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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La Geria wine region, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
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Summer solstice
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Presidents Day in America’s front yard
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Muskoxen in Dovre-Sunndalsfjella National Park, Norway
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Let the games begin
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World Meteorological Day
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Black Fell in England s Lake District
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The ruins of a Maya superpower
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Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy
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Christmas Eve
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Illuminations on the Gulf of Poets
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Unearthing a queen s lost tale
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New Year s Eve
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Storm rolls over the grasslands
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Wind Cave National Park celebrates 120 years
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Everglades National Park marks 90 years
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Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Louvre Pyramid
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The first ascent
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Tree of many colors
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Welcome to the drainpipe of the Pacific
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Reflecting on Black History Month
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Yabba-Dabba-Doo!
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A gentle wind fills this sail
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Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia
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Class, please take out a No. 2 pencil…
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A hidden jewel in Croatia
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Look before you leap
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Inhale and exhale, it’s Yoga Day
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New Orleans for Mardi Gras
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Big wheels on a big mountain