In 1880, Woolworths first sold manufactured Christmas tree ornaments, and they caught on very quickly. Martin Luther, in the 16th century, is credited as being the first person to put candles on a tree, and the first electrically lighted Christmas tree appeared in 1882. Calvin Coolidge in 1923 ceremoniously lit the first outdoor tree at the White House.
Note: The rumor that Reverend Luther used the rough drafts of his 95 theses to light the candles is unsubstantiated.
Posted by Linkmeister at December 14, 2002 09:18 AMHa!
Posted by: dan at December 14, 2002 06:54 PMActually, I learned something at that site: despite what we've been told, the theses were not tacked onto the church door, according to contemporaneous writings and reports. ;)
Posted by: Linkmeister at December 14, 2002 07:22 PMisn't putting lit candles on dead trees a really bad, bad idea? just sayin'.
Posted by: kd at December 14, 2002 07:44 PMYou always find the coolest tidbits of information, I swear. You rule. :o)
Posted by: JeanNINE at December 17, 2002 12:58 PMthesis?? i tried to smoke mine.
Posted by: tina at December 20, 2002 08:46 PM