LADYBUG SAYS... CHRISTMAS TREE OFFERS CHEER, SPARKLE IN WINTER

For many the trimming of the tree marks the most important event of the Christmas season. It is the time when children and adults alike never tire of gazing at the finished product. As the cold wind blows outside, the cheerful ornaments and bright lights of the deep green Christmas tree sparkle with soulful warmth.

This wonderful tradition is said to have originated in Germany during the first half of the 1700s. Decorations during that time included paper roses, fruit, gilt and confectioners.

Legend has it that Martin Luther, attempting to recapture the brilliance of the stars he saw twinkling through the evergreens one winter night, was the first to add lighted candles to a tree. Soon this German tradition spread to other Western Europe countries. The tradition was eventually popularized in England in the mid-nineteenth century by Prince Albert, who was Queen Victoria's German consort.

Have you ever known a home where there were lighted candles on the Christmas tree? During my childhood my brother and I were quite often taken to our aunt's home, where the Christmas tree was decorated in the unused parlor (except on very special occasions). The doors to the parlor were shut and when our slim, trim aunt finished swishing in and out of the room, the doors were opened, and we were allowed to enter.

For quite some time we stood in awe at the lighted candles in their special holders on the outer branches of the beautiful cedar tree with its pungent odor. Other decorations were cranberry and popcorn strings, small cotton balls, and a few ornate ornaments. What a special treat it was to see that glowing tree.

In America the Christmas tree was introduced by the Pennsylvania Germans in the early 1820s. Earlier attempts at introductions were either short lived or very localized due to the beliefs of the New England Puritans, who denounced what they considered to be a pagan mockery of this holiday.

However, increasing numbers of German and Irish immigrants expanded the use of Christmas trees, and by the late 19th century, the tradition of Christmas trees in this country was firmly established. The custom became almost universal after about 1910.

For every Christmas tree cut this year, two or three will be planted, says the Purdue University's extention forester. He also estimates that about 45 million trees are grown for harvesting. Since growing trees is a big business, growers replant to keep trees in good supply in the future.

Moisture is important in keeping a Christmas tree fresh. It is surprising how much water a fresh tree can absorb in a normally heated house. It can take up as much as a gallon of water a day. One should check the tree daily.

Last year a reader asked about the formula for keeping the tree fresh, and it could not be found. Here is the one which she may have desired. There is a commercially prepared mixture called Wilt-Pruf, which will partly block pores to stop water evaporation from the needles.

If you allow the water level to drop below the cut, the bottom of the trunk will seal over and a new cut will be necessary. Some people feel that mixture of water and floral preservative, one can be made by mixing a gallon of water with about a liter of carbonated non-cola drink (it must have sugar in it) and two tablespoons of liquid bleach. The sugar "feeds" the tree and the liquid bleach reduces the chance of algae or fungus forming and clogging the tree's water vessels.

Many people feel that the perfect Christmas tree is a living tree. When the season is over one can get the added joy of being able to enjoy it for its beauty as well as the special reminder of this special Christmas season. Next year, it will be outside to perk up the yard, and lights can be strung on it to truly show it off.

A living Christmas tree, with all of its advantages, requires a little care while you have it in the house. The ball should be placed in a suitable container, just deep enough so moisture and loose soil will not get on the carpeting.

The tree should be placed in the coolest part of the room, away from heat vents or fireplaces. The ball should be kept moist, but not soaked.

Good circulation and abundant light will also help keep the tree healthy and happy until planting time. When the holiday is over remove tinsel, ornaments and other decorations. Pick the perfect outdoor spot, not too close to the house or under overhead wires. Give it plenty of room to grow and spread out.

As for symbolism implied by our present day Christmas tree, whether fresh, artificial, or balled-the tree points to heaven, lights on the tree are to remind us of the Light of the World and gifts under the tree are symbolic reminders of the gifts to us from above.