The true origins of the Christmas tree are shrouded in history. Some commentators claim that it was a surviving relic of pagan tree worship given respectability when Christendom came to Europe. As for how this tradition came to the British Isles is similarly unclear.
The popular account is that it was introduced by Prince Albert consort to Queen Victoria, who imported the Yuletide tradition from his native Germany. He undoubtedly encouraged and popularised the idea, but credit may have to go to another royal with Teutonic connections.
Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the story goes brought the idea to her marital home in 1761 when she married George III, having imbibed from birth a tradition started by the reformer Martin Luther some two-and-a-quarter centuries earlier.
It makes for interesting speculation whether pine needles constantly scattered on royal carpets might have been the cause of the unfortunate King’s madness later in life.
Once again, the Christmas tree won international significance at the end of the Second World War. In 1947 Norway presented an impressive specimen from its forests to the nation as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support in fighting Nazi aggression and occupation. They have maintained this tradition every year since, which is jolly decent, as it must quite a few kroner to get it across here.
At Aztec Plants, we don’t import our trees from Scandinavia for several reasons.
- Many Scandinavian trees come from Denmark, where a new strain of coronavirus has recently emerged that is carried by mink and transmitted to humans. As you probably know, mink also goes by pine marten from the trees they inhabit. We haven’t established a link when going to press, but you can never be too sure…
On a more serious note
- We grow Nordman fir, not Norway spruce which has a bad reputation for needle drop. Keep Nordman fir properly watered, and you’ll enjoy a reasonably house-trained tree throughout the festive season.
- Our trees are locally grown in Norfolk in smaller volumes that allow the growers to be more careful on quality control, which is sometimes lacking in high volume growth and harvesting.
- Local sourcing reduces carbon footprint and energy consumption to keep the trees chilled during storage and transport.
- We cut our trees in the last week of November and install them in the first week of December, so they are ‘farm fresh.’
- Every purchase of a tree from Aztec Plants will be another much-needed boost for the local economy.
To reserve your Norfolk-grown, Best of British Christmas tree, call us on 01553 617060 or email us on inspired@aztec-plants.co.uk. We can supply them undecorated or decked in a design of your choosing and even in your corporate colours.
From garlands and wreaths to swags and hanging decorations, at Aztec, we’ve got it all. We can extend your chosen look to the rest of your reception and office areas. Let us restore a bit of festive charm to the end of what, for many companies, has been a challenging year.