It's not popularly known that artificial Christmas trees actually started in the Middle Ages in Germany.It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that they became popular in other countries with the invention of new and imaginative trees coming into being.It started with feathers then animal bristles, aluminum, plastic then optic fibers.Discover the six stages in the evolution of the artificial Christmas tree..1.Lightstock - the Poor Man's Christmas Tree! In the Middle Ages woodcarvers in Germany fashioned the first lightstock.A pyramid-shaped stand made from 2-5 wooden rods and 3 shelves holding candles and Christmas related figurines.Sometime later they attached a pinwheel to the top of the central rod.As the heat from the candles rose it would rotate the pinwheel and the shelves making a delightful display.Small lightstocks were soon seen to be placed beside Christmas trees.However many poor woodcarvers could not afford trees and thus the lightstock came to be known as the poor man's Christmas tree.Lightstocks or pyramids as they are also now known, are a tradition in Dresden, Germany that continues to this day.2.First Artificial Trees made of Green Goose Feathers! Originating in Germany in the 1880's, green dyed goose feather trees are considered to be the first artificial Christmas tree in the modern world.The reason for the creation of feather trees, made with wire branches, was because the Germans were concerned regarding deforestation associated with the harvest of trees.So the artificial trees become popular in the USA early in the 20th century.Branches were widely spaced so that candles on trees (which was popular before the electric lights were created) had enough space so not to create a fire.Fires were a big problem with early trees with candles placed on them.Often artificial red berries were placed throughout the feathered branches, which acted as candle holders.Tree sizes varied from 2 inches to 98 inches in department stores.Today many of these trees are now valuable antique collectibles.3.Christmas Trees made from Animal Hair - Brush Bristle The first artificial tree made from animal hair bristles was made in 1930 in the USA.The bristles were dyed green and these trees became popular not just in the USA but in Britain too.They soon replaced the feather trees as these trees were not as flammable and could hold heavier ornaments.4.Aluminium Christmas Trees In the USA in 1958 the first aluminium trees were created.They became very popular right up to the 1970's.There was a negative portrayal of these trees in 1965 when 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' aired for the first time, which is believed to be credited with their decline in sales.5.Plastic Christmas Trees Mostly made from PVC plastic, they are fire-retardant but not fire-resistant and most of these trees are made in China.The PVC used can be a potential source of hazardous lead - labels need to be read carefully.The Addis Brush Company (who made toilet bowl brushes) made the first fake plastic Christmas trees.Some say the first plastic trees were giant green toilet brushes!6.Fiber Optic Cable Christmas Trees These are a new designer breed of Christmas tree.Optic fiber trees are made from a flexible, transparent fiber made from glass (silica) shaped into various size strands the size of human hair.These fibers transmit light between the two ends of the fiber creating a magical array of white or colored light.Some optic fiber trees resemble a traditional Christmas tree while others appear completely in light.
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