Christmas is a time of year that is steeped in tradition. The origins of why we uphold certain rituals, however, can be obscure – such as the hanging of Christmas lights.
In fact, the story behind that familiar festive activity is a fascinating one.
Lights as part of the Christmas celebrations began in Germany, as so many of our festive traditions seem to. Lighting candles and adding them to trees using pins or wax started during the 17th century and became common throughout parts of Europe over the next two centuries. The idea was the same as it is with electric fairy lights now – to decorate and illuminate the trees.
The lights as we recognise them today made their first appearance in 1882. That year, Edward Johnson produced the very first set of string lights, coloured blue, white and red. He proceeded to showcase a Christmas tree festooned with them in New York. Johnson was friends with Thomas Edison, but sadly is largely forgotten now, despite giving us one of our favourite festive traditions.
By 1890, strings of lights to hang on Christmas trees and around the home were available commercially. In 1895, a tree with lights was put up at the White House. It was largely the idea of Frances Cleveland, the First Lady, as she was fascinated by cutting edge technology. This was the best possible endorsement, and lights became more widely used during the early 20th century, when they became available to rent.
They have remained central to Christmas celebrations ever since.
