Ilkeston - Christmas Trees
w/e 18 December 2005
All this week's pictures were taken
with a Kodak DX6490
Christmas trees - you could say that they're a bit like people
really and come in all shapes, sizes and colours. At this time
of year you'll find them on sale at markets, in shops and at
garden centres - trees that is, not people but we in the UK can
thank Prince Albert for what has become a tradition of the season.
It was Queen Victoria's husband who popularised the custom when
he set up a Christmas tree in 1841 at Windsor Castle to remind
himself of his German homeland.
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Legend has it that the German tradition was begun by Martin Luther,
a monk who lived from 1483 to 1546.
According to the story, Luther saw stars twinkling through the
branches of the trees and illustrated this to his family on his
return home by cutting down a small fir tree, taking it indoors
and decorating it with candles to represent the stars. Today
the candles have been replaced by electric lights and as well
as the custom still prevailing indoors, more and more people
are also putting their decorated trees in their front gardens.
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This practice has probably found favour with the population since
local authorities in the country's towns and villages have become
more liberal with their coloured lights. Not only are imported
fir trees decorated but existing native trees already in situ
are now festooned with twinkling lights as seen here in a corner
of the Market Place.
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There's another legend about Christmas trees that concerns the
night of the Saviour's birth. The story of the three Kings bearing
gifts is well known but this legend tells that all living creatures,
both flora and fauna, went to Bethlehem with gifts. Sadly a little
fir tree had no gift and was so tired that it was pushed into
the back by the bigger trees. An angel took pity and commanded
an array of stars to rest on it. When Jesus saw the tree, He
blessed it and declared that fir trees should always be filled
with lights at Christmas. It's quite fitting therefore that this
decorated tree in St Mary's Church helps us celebrate the birth
of our Saviour.
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Outside St Mary's too, the welcoming lights at the adjoining
Cantelupe Centre are supplemented by even more decorated trees.
This year as a change from the red lights that have adorned some
of these trees previously, blue lights have been used to alternate
with the whites while green floodlights have also been used to
good effect.
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The blue lights have caused more than a little comment by the
town residents - some are in favour while others find them rather
gaudy and tacky. Personally I am in the former camp and think
they make an attractive appearance on the eastern side of the
Market Place. The town's main Christmas Tree is of the more traditional
variety and stands at the far end in front of the library but
traditional or modern I think we are safe in referring to all
of them as Christmas Trees.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! Thou tree most fair and lovely!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! Thou tree most fair and lovely!
The sight of thee at Christmastide spreads hope and gladness
far and wide.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! Thou tree most fair and lovely!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! Thou hast a wondrous message.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! Thou hast a wondrous message.
Thou dost proclaim the Saviour's birth, Goodwill to men and peace
on earth.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! Thou hast a wondrous message
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