My artifact is a small Christmas tree my mother and father bought when they were first married. This tree is something I have always cherished because it reminds me of joyful times spent with my family when I was a child. Although the Christmas tree has become a symbol for the Christian celebration of Christ’s birth, for this essay the Christmas tree represents family and childhood memories.
One of my earliest childhood memories was of laying on my living room floor with only the light of the fireplace, Christmas tree and the show Rudolph the red nose reindeer which was on the TV. I remember feeling so happy and content at that moment. Having a warm and loving home is a wonderful feeling. As a child you have different feelings about Christmas …show more content…
Jeremiah condemned the Middle Eastern practice of cutting down trees, bringing them into your home and decorating them in honor of a god as pagan [Religioustolerance.com]. Historians have found many ancient cultures have held a special place for trees or plants which stay green in the winter. During the winter solstice Ancient Egyptians used green palm rushes to symbolize triumph of life over death. Early Romans honored the god Saturn, who they believed was the god of agriculture, by decorating their homes and temples with evergreen boughs. Druids decorated their temples with evergreen boughs to symbolize everlasting life and the Vikings thought that evergreens were the special plant of the sun god, Balder …show more content…
While researching the history of Christmas trees and family I came across a great deal of sites selling trees or decorations for trees. I believe we can choose to focus on the materialistic aspects of holidays or to see past that remembering the true purpose of the holiday. Focusing on the latest gadgets, newest toys & decorations will not only drain our bank account it will also drain our spirit. I have many friends who complain that their children have a sense of entitlement. If parents give their children everything they ask for, how can they expect them to not have a sense of entitlement? Obviously we will not stop giving presents to children, but does a 10-year old really need a four hundred dollar
One of my earliest childhood memories was of laying on my living room floor with only the light of the fireplace, Christmas tree and the show Rudolph the red nose reindeer which was on the TV. I remember feeling so happy and content at that moment. Having a warm and loving home is a wonderful feeling. As a child you have different feelings about Christmas …show more content…
Jeremiah condemned the Middle Eastern practice of cutting down trees, bringing them into your home and decorating them in honor of a god as pagan [Religioustolerance.com]. Historians have found many ancient cultures have held a special place for trees or plants which stay green in the winter. During the winter solstice Ancient Egyptians used green palm rushes to symbolize triumph of life over death. Early Romans honored the god Saturn, who they believed was the god of agriculture, by decorating their homes and temples with evergreen boughs. Druids decorated their temples with evergreen boughs to symbolize everlasting life and the Vikings thought that evergreens were the special plant of the sun god, Balder …show more content…
While researching the history of Christmas trees and family I came across a great deal of sites selling trees or decorations for trees. I believe we can choose to focus on the materialistic aspects of holidays or to see past that remembering the true purpose of the holiday. Focusing on the latest gadgets, newest toys & decorations will not only drain our bank account it will also drain our spirit. I have many friends who complain that their children have a sense of entitlement. If parents give their children everything they ask for, how can they expect them to not have a sense of entitlement? Obviously we will not stop giving presents to children, but does a 10-year old really need a four hundred dollar