Show christmas ch trees I 1 apt f rees universal symbol the christmas tree is almost a universal symbol it Is common in many countries and its decorations mirror the cultural traditions and customs of the world the japanese who adopted american baseball have also adopted the christmas tree they have given it an oriental appear ance by decorating its branches with japanese dolls woodcuts small tangerines and rice cookies called sembel that hold paper slips of fortunes in germany where the christ mas tree originated chains and baskets made by hand from erdi nary newspapers when nothing else is available are hung on the tree candles have been used for nation ever since the time of martin luther when the custom of deco rating trees at christmas first be gan the french christmas tree is loaded with glittering ornaments and sugar balls hang from its branches in italy the crib is the tradition al symbol of christmas and is care fully arranged beneath every ital ian tree this custom dates back to 1223 when st franco francis of assisi arranged the first crib at agrecio italy using a simple manger with a doll to represent the christ child and adding live animals tor for real ism czechs decorate their trees with clusters of gilded nuts apples and cookies made to resemble animal figures peasant girls stars and village huts 9 91 r 15 13 1 3 41 chicago museum of science and industry placing wooden shoes on the doorstep for the good saint to fill with toys and sweets Is tra dit lonal ional dutch fashion carrots are left in the shoes for the white horse which st nicholas rides in holland |