Give me strength. The city of Brussels in Belgium has chosen to dispense with the traditional Christmas tree in favour of a weird construction of steel boxes called the Xmas 3. What is this thing? Some sort of bizarre homage to the commercialization of the so-called Holiday Season? No one seems to know and there are as many reasons given for the shift as there are city officials.
The legend tells us that Martin Luther saw stars twinkling through the boughs of an evergreen tree and sought to replicate its beauty with candles. It is also suggested that the Christmas tree is a Christian appropriation of the sacred trees of the pagan tradition in Europe. Who knows.
There has been plenty of angry reaction to Xmas 3 and it will be interesting to see if it reappears next year, despite the assurances that this quasi-Lego construct is not meant to demean or usurp Christmas.
What do you think of this? Do you associate Christmas trees with the Christian tradition? Are you okay with them in public places even if they are "Christian?"
Take a look at my Groundling blog about an impressive new bio on Rachel Carson.
http://groundlingearthyheavenly.blogspot.ca/2012/12/on-farther-shore-life-and-legacy-of.html
When I saw the title of your blog "Xmas 3", I thought it was a new video game coming out.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I think they're barking up the wrong tree with this idea.
I don't associate Christmas trees with the Christian tradition. They are just part of the whole Christmas decorating. Decorated trees don't bother me in public places. I actually don't mind the "lego" Christmas tree, just a new spin on an old idea. Happy decorating!
ReplyDeleteThe only part of the Christmas tree that seems religious to me is the angel or star at the top... the rest is decoration. I do associate them with the Christmas tradition and love to see them decorated especially at night when they are lit. I am fine with them in public places.
ReplyDeleteWhether the original intent or not, the Christmas Evergreen Tree has come to symbolize to some the unchanging love of God....(and/or a perch for Santa to deliver his gifts.)
ReplyDeleteO Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !"
Dumb. Duh-u-u-u-mb.
ReplyDelete