Didn’t Peter the Great once decree that houses be decorated with evergreen trees for the New Year? Today we are standing in front of \u0401\u043b\u043e\u0447\u043a\u0438. It is a beautiful fountain. But let me tell you the story about the Christmas tree in Russia.
Peter’s decree aimed to shift celebrations from September to January 1. He wanted to emulate the German tradition of using evergreen trees for decoration. After Peter’s death, this custom faded. Decorated trees were only found in pubs to mark them for those who couldn’t read.
The tradition was revived in the early 19th century. A German princess named Charlotte of Prussia, later Alexandra Feodorovna, played a key role.
In 1817, after arriving in Russia, she felt homesick. To combat this, she asked her husband, Nicholas I, to set up a Christmas tree in her chambers in Moscow. It was decorated in the Prussian style. The following year, a Christmas tree appeared in the Anichkov Palace in St. Petersburg. In 1828, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna hosted the first Christmas tree party for the royal family.
These celebrations became regular events. Soon, the nobility of St. Petersburg adopted the tradition. By the end of the 1840s, Christmas trees were a sensation. However, they were expensive. Wealthy citizens competed to have the most beautiful tree. Artificial trees were rare.
Public Christmas trees also emerged. The first was erected at the Catherine Railway Station in St. Petersburg in 1852. From there, Christmas trees spread to public spaces such as theaters and clubs.
Christmas celebrations in the House of Romanovs were elaborate. The empress organized annual celebrations with Christmas trees. These parties included not only her children and nephews but also courtiers. The celebration began on Christmas Eve. Children eagerly anticipated the event.
The empress would lead the children to tables with Christmas trees. These trees were decorated with sweets and fruit. She would then hand out gifts. The children could take their Christmas trees home after the party to enjoy the decorations.
As the children grew, their presents changed. Toys were replaced with books, dresses, and jewelry. Once, Grand Duchess Alexandra received her fiancé, Prince Frederick William, as a surprise gift.
The royal children also made gifts for their parents and each other. They crafted items like toy furniture during carpentry lessons. These were gifted to their sisters.
After the gifts, the celebration moved to a hall with a large table. The table was decorated with porcelain and crystal. A lottery with playing cards was held. The emperor announced the winning card. The winner then received a prize from the empress.
Emperor Nicholas I was wary of Christmas trees because he feared fire. He suspected a Christmas tree caused a fire in the Winter Palace in 1837. Despite his concerns, the Christmas tree custom persisted in the imperial family.
Today \u0401\u043b\u043e\u0447\u043a\u0438 reminds us of how the Christmas tree tradition has evolved in Russia. From its initial introduction by Peter the Great to its popularization by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. The Christmas tree has become an integral part of Russian culture.