YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Today in Flashback, Brooke Testa, curatorial assistant for the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, traces the history of the Christmas tree and its evolving decorations.
The Yule tree has roots in pre-Christian winter solstice traditions in Scandinavia and Central Europe, where evergreens symbolized rebirth before merging with Christian practices. Decorated Christmas trees emerged in Germany in the 16th century and later spread to Sweden in the 1800s, where traditional decorations included live candles, fruit, candy, and handmade paper and straw ornaments.
“Memories of Christmas Past” at the Arms Family Museum is open today, Dec. 23, for special Twilight Tuesday hours from noon to 7 p.m. The exhibit will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24 and 25. It will reopen Friday, Dec. 26, and remain open through Wednesday, Dec. 31, from noon to 4 p.m.