Trees adorned with cobwebs, red apples and shell ornaments are just some of the ways Christmas trees are decorated around the world.
GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have looked into the many festive tree traditions adopted by different countries.
In Ukraine the tree is covered with spiders’ webs which is thought to bring good luck and in the USA strings of popcorn are wrapped around the festive centre piece.
The French follow tradition with baubles shaped like fruit while in sunny Australia, trees are decorated with seashells.
Modern Christmas trees originate from 16th century Germany and are thought to have become popular in the UK during the 1800s. Now around eight million Christmas trees are grown here for the festive season.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “Nothing says Christmas like a beautifully decorated tree adorned with baubles, lights and all those decorations that are personal to you and your family.
“Most countries have their own traditions which they follow when it comes to the festive tree. From cobwebs, to apples, to candles and cotton, there’s a really interesting mix.
“Maybe try adopting a few this year – you’ll certainly have a tree with a unique twist.”
Here is GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk’s guide to Christmas tree traditions:
Norway
Norwegians decorate their trees on Christmas Eve. It’s usually the parents who decorate with children waiting outside the room. Once it’s done, the all join hands and sing carols as they walk around the tree.
USA
In the United States, Christmas trees are adorned with strings of popcorn. The tradition is thought to date back to the 1950s when outdoor trees were decorated with food for birds and wildlife.
Italy
In Italy, the tree isn’t the star of the show. Instead the nativity scene is the focus for all decorations.
Australia
Christmas down under is spent on the beach so what better way to decorate the tree than with shell ornaments?
France
Real fruit was used to decorate French Christmas trees. Now people use fruit ornaments, particularly red apples, instead.
Germany
Germans traditionally decorate their trees with real candles, however electric light decorations have become steadily more popular. In Bavaria, families tie straws into festive shapes to decorate the tree.
Ukraine
Spider and spider-webs cover Christmas trees in the Ukraine. People hope it will bring them good luck and good fortune in the coming year.
Japan
Christmas isn’t widely celebrated in Japan. For those who do put up a tree, the origami swan, a symbol of peace, is a popular choice.
Brazil
It’s hot and sunny in Brazil on Christmas Day so pine trees are decorated with pieces of cotton to represent falling snow!
UK
Christmas trees became popular among the wealthy classes in the UK during the mid 1800’s and by the early 1900’s, most homes would put up a tree to mark the festivities. Now we cover our trees in tinsel, lights and baubles.
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