Upside Down Christmas Tree



The practice of turning a Christmas tree upside down with the wide portion at the top and narrow at the bottom goes back to the 7th century. According to legend, Boniface, a Benedictine monk in Germany used the ‘v’ shape of the fur tree to explain the Trinity to German pagans.

The tradition continued into the 12th century in central and eastern Europe because people felt it was reminiscent of Jesus’ sacrifice.

It was southern Poland where the trend really thrived. In a tradition called podłazniczek, Polish people used “fruit, nuts, sweets wrapped in shiny paper, straw, ribbons, gold-painted pine cones” to decorate a spruce hanging upside down from the ceiling in the center of the room. It represents the Trinity and to resembles the cross of Christ.

Some people in the 19th century would hang Christmas trees upside down from the rafters. This was common in the small common rooms of the lower classes, there was simply was little extra space. This was also done in several stores, shops and hotels.

A big plus was that more ornaments could be hung and better seen at eye level.

Those done today usually don’t hang the tree from the ceiling but rather use an upside-down tree with a sturdy metal or aluminum stand built into the design that rests on the floor.

So here is an idea for future Christmas trees for your house.

Photo: Example of an Upside Down Christmas tree decorated.

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