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The Meaning of an Upside Down Christmas Tree

Upside-Down-Christmas-Tree-Decorations-Ornaments-Open-For-Christmas

What Does An Upside Down Christmas Tree Mean?

Christmas is a time of year where many traditions, cultures, and religion surround the season. It’s also a time when new traditions begin. Christmas would not be Christmas without a Christmas tree. But, an upside down Christmas tree? You may be wondering who started this bizarre trend. But, this is not actually a novelty and dates back centuries.

You only need to look through Instagram or Pinterest and find Christmas trees hanging from the ceiling. You only need to type in ‘#upsidedownchristmastree’ to find an abundance of ideas.

It’s is easy to believe that this trend has only been around for a couple of years, and that is a new trend, but it is far from original. So let’s investigate this further.

What is An Upside Down Christmas Tree?

Nowadays, Christmas trees are generally shaped with their tip pointing towards heaven. So, what is an upside down Christmas tree?

To put it bluntly, it’s literally a Christmas tree that is upside down, hung from the ceiling, with the star or tree topper facing the floor. I know what you’re thinking. This inverted Christmas tree trend may seem utterly bonkers. But, we can promise you, it’s not!

What Does An Upside Down Christmas Tree Symbolise?

Many of us decorate for the season without knowing the real meaning and symbolism behind each tradition. You may be surprised to hear that this trend is not so new. So, what does the upside down Christmas tree symbolise?

This upside down Christmas tree tradition dates back to when Christmas trees were first invented. However, no one can be 100% sure when this is. But, one theory is believed to be back in the 7th century by Benedictine Monk, Boniface. Saint Boniface, the eighth-century English monk, brought Christianity to Germany and France.

In the Middle Ages, Europeans would hang fir trees upside down to represent the Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). The triangular shape was used to explain the Trinity to the Pagans.

It wasn’t until the 12th century that people used to decorate their homes with upside down Christmas trees as a novelty symbol. They would be hung using chains, usually from chandeliers or by lighting hooks. 

But, fast-forward to the 19th century and the tradition changed. People would hang their Christmas trees from their rafters due to a lack of space in their home. Sound like a familiar problem?

Origins

Christmas trees originated long before Christianity. People would use evergreen plants to decorate their homes in the Northern Hemisphere to celebrate the Winter Solstice. 

Egyptians, Celts, Viking and ancient Romans would all decorate their homes and temples with evergreen branches during the winter months.

However, the prominence of using these evergreen trees as a symbol for Christmas did not come about until the 12th century when Europeans, particularly poorer people in Germany, would hang Fir trees upside down to decorate their homes over the festive season. 

Moreover, it was not until the 16th century that Martin Luther lit the first Christmas tree with candles to show his children how stars shined bright during the night. 

Read more about the history of Christmas trees here.

What Does It Mean?

Each year, Christmas decorations and trees are getting more extravagant. Beautiful baubles, ribbons, fairy lights, Christmas flowers covering each and every inch of the tree. Gone are the days of poorly working lights, tinsel and sparse baubles sprinkled on the tree half-heartedly. 

As Christmas trees change and evolve, upside down Christmas trees have gained popularity again. Especially in the past few years. 

So, I bet you’re wondering. If it is not bonkers, then what does an upside-down tree mean today?

Well nowadays, the symbolic and traditional meaning behind the upside down Christmas tree may have somewhat refined.

Centuries ago, it came down to one thing – space. And today, it seems that same reason hasn’t fallen far from the tree.

People are opting for different ideas and ways to try out new designs. An inverted tree also has many advantages – such as saving floor space. This is true in shops, and in homes. 

A Christmas tree can look magical, but can really take up a lot of space. 

In shopping malls and department stores, this also leaves more room for other merchandise, whilst putting baubles and ornaments at eye-level for customers to admire and purchase.

How to Hang a Tree Upside Down

Christmas trees can be hung from a bracket on the ceiling, or mounted to the wall. Another way is to simply place your Christmas tree upside down on a stand on the floor. 

If you do want to try this trend, make sure your tree is secure before decorating with delicate ornaments and lights. Consider hiring a professional if you are wanting to install your tree properly. They will have the right tools, and the last thing you want is for it to start raining ornaments!

Use an artificial tree as they weigh a lot less than a real Christmas tree and will make it a lot easier. Also, keeping a real upside down tree watered will be very hard, and will very quickly wilt. 

Upside-Down-Christmas-Tree-Decorations-Ornaments-Open-For-Christmas

Where To Buy an Inverted Tree

So, now you know this is not just a handful of the population living in upside down mode, why not give this trend a go? Especially as it looks like upside down Christmas trees are here to stay. 

If we’ve persuaded you, or you’re lacking space in your home, give this striking decorative trend a go this year. Try Amazon for some awesome upside-down Christmas trees.

Final Thoughts on Upside Down Christmas Trees

There’s no doubt about it that an inverted Christmas tree will add the ‘wow-factor’ into your home. And, whether or not it brings confusion into your home, you can guarantee it’ll be a conversation starter for every guest.

One thing is for sure – you won’t need to buy a star for the top of the tree. And don’t forget to add your photo on Instagram once it’s up and looking treemendous!

Related Christmas Tree Articles:

The Meaning of an Upside Down Christmas Tree

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