What is an Upside Down Christmas Tree?

Christmas is filled with many traditions, from placing wrapped gifts under a tree to hanging mistletoe in a doorway; there is a story behind most of our Christmas customs. For centuries, the Christmas tree has become eponymous as a symbol of Christmas throughout the world. What seems logical, for most, is to display the tree upright, as it is found in nature. Surprisingly, there is another option. Have you ever considered displaying your Christmas tree upside down? According to the history books there was a time when this was how almost all Christmas trees were displayed. In our time, however, some might consider this strange idea as sacrilegious. In actuality, that could not be further from the truth, as at one time, it was considered a symbol of Christianity.

The Origins of the Upside Down Christmas Tree

The origins of this unusual Christmas tree, a combination of history and legend, are rooted in the life of St. Boniface, an English Benedictine monk born in Wessex, England in 675. During 7th century, St. Boniface travelled to Thuringia, Germany to preach the Gospel. Prior to Christmas, St. Boniface came upon a group of pagans intent on performing a sacrifice to the god, Odin, at the foot of a large oak tree. The worship of trees was common among pagans at that time, and this sacrificial rite angered the missionary, so he attempted to dissuade them from committing the act. Consequently, during the altercation, St. Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree intended for the sacrifice. According to legend, the pagans, in awe of the swift destruction of the oak, then asked him what they should do instead to celebrate Christmas. Noting a small fir tree amongst the debris of the fallen oak, St. Boniface asked each of them to take one home with them. This small tree was then incorporated into his Gospel message, and he used the tree's three-sided shape to explain the concept of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Soon, the newly-converted pagans began to refer to the fir tree as God's Tree.Several centuries following St. Boniface's encounter with the Thuringian pagans, the tradition of hanging an inverted fir tree within the home continued. This practice was most commonly seen in households throughout Central Europe, from Krakow to the Carpathian Highlands. The act of displaying decorated fir trees became an emblem for the Christian church during this time, too. These trees were often decorated with flowers, usually red in colour, and fruit to symbolise plenty. This is also likely where the red and green theme of Christmas originated.In the past, upside down trees in southern Poland were hung on Christmas Eve in a prominent place in the home. Adjacent doorways and walls were also decorated with boughs cut from the same tree. These trees were called, podazniczek, pronounced (pawd-wahz-NEE-chek). Commonly used decorations for these trees were fruit, nuts, candy and colourful paper. In Krakow these trees, called choinka were decorated with apples, nuts, pears and gingerbread. On the day following Christmas, the treats decorating the tree were allowed to be eaten.

Modern Ways to Use the Upside Down Christmas Tree

In 2005, the tradition of the upside down Christmas tree was adopted by retailers but in a decidedly practical way. The benefit to brick and mortar retailers of displaying Christmas trees in this way was to save floor space. By hanging a Christmas tree from the ceiling above greatly reduces the floor space required for display. Some manufacturers have even constructed upside down trees stabilised with a base similar to that on a traditional tree. The base is located at the peak of the tree, rather than the base of the trunk.

Why Use an Upside Down Christmas Tree in Your Home

Supporters of the upside down Christmas tree can cite many reasons why homeowners should consider turning Christmas on its head. This tree is ideal for homes with limited floor space as it can be displayed where a traditional tree will not fit. As well, displaying a Christmas tree in such a manner also leaves room for more presents under the tree, a concept that children are sure to love. This type of tree display is also great for families with small children and/or pets, as the majority of the decorations displayed are out of reach from sticky fingers and playful paws. A hanging Christmas tree, when placed properly, creates an effect similar to a large, cascading evergreen bough. Smaller upside down trees can also be displayed throughout the home as a centrepiece above the dining room table, suspended in a two-storey entrance or placed in the corner of a room. The options are endless. In addition, this ingenious way of decorating is sure to spark interest and conversation when hosting guests over the Christmas season.How do you decorate an upside down tree? The answer is easy. Simply decorate it as you would a traditional tree, with the star on the apex of the tree and the decorations below. While the decorating is simple, installation is another matter. You can purchase upside down Christmas trees that are attached to a stand much in the way a traditional tree is. While easier to set up, these trees do not necessarily give the desired effect. To achieve a more traditional feel, suspend it from the ceiling using hooks. When choosing the latter option, it is important to attach the tree securely with strong hooks and anchors. Be sure to take into account the weight of the tree and decorations when determining the size of hook. By neglecting to do this the tree is likely to return to its natural place on the floor, surrounded by broken ornaments and lights.Whilst the concept of the upside down Christmas tree has credibility as a historical symbol of Christmas, it has yet to make an impact as a contemporary holiday decoration. Many consider the idea of displaying a tree in such a way as strange or odd. Whilst both of these descriptions may be true, homeowners are sure to be remembered for the year they had an upside down Christmas tree.