On 26/05/2011 11:41 PM, James Silverton wrote:
> On 5/26/2011 9:27 AM, Krypsis wrote:
>> On 26/05/2011 7:04 AM, M. JL Esq. wrote:
>>> spamtrap1888 wrote:
>>>
>>>> On May 25, 12:36�pm, blake murphy > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On Mon, 23 May 2011 23:09:04 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> "blake murphy" > wrote
>>>>>
>>>>>>> how about keeping the religious stuff in your home and church and
>>>>>>> actually
>>>>>>> doing work at the office? �does your god really need the promotional
>>>>>>> efforts?
>>>>>
>>>>>>> your pal,
>>>>>>> blake
>>>>>
>>>>>> Should we never talk about sports, TV shows, cars, vacations, and
>>>>>> politics
>>>>>> either? �That would make for a boring office. � I don't promote
>>>>>> decorations,
>>>>>> but I'd not object if others want them, no matter what the occasion.
>>>>>
>>>>> are the sports discussions as unavoidable as christmas decorations?
>>>>> �is
>>>>> work time spent putting up team logos and whatnot?
>>>>>
>>>>> besides, sports discussions are not covered under the constitution.
>>>>> religion is.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Congress, shall make no law." Do you work for the Federal government?
>>>>
>>>> The Sikhs and Muslims I know put up a Christmas tree, rather than deny
>>>> their kids the joy of ripping open boxes one morning like all their
>>>> friends. Tree worship is a Druid thing, IIRC -- it certainly has
>>>> nothing to do with Christianity.
>>>
>>> Japan is amazing in that respect, and China is coming along nicely thank
>>> you very much
>>>
>>> Its amusing to me how often a propagandistic derision of America is
>>> coupled with an emulation of the cultural phenomena of America, its
>>> style, life as well as other qualities, uniquely American are rabidly
>>> and almost slavishly adopted in imitation of the iconic status of
>>> America in the world and even among those who profess to despise the
>>> phenomenon.
>>>
>>> If America is the great satan it is then also the great tempter
>>> --
>>> JL
>> The Christmas tree is a cultural phenomenon of America? Who are you
>> trying to kid? The tradition of Christmas trees was brought to the US by
>> German migrants in the mid 1800s. Ergo, you slavishly adopted a European
>> tradition that had been in place for more than 400 years prior.
>>
>
> I seem to remember reading that the Xmas Tree or Tannenbaum was imported
> to Britain from Germany and the first one was set up by Prince Albert,
> the Prince Consort of Queen Victoria. The Xmas Tree was long used in
> Germany. I've seen an engraving of Martin Luther and his family round a
> tree.

About 1400 according to Wikipedia though I cannot vouch for its fidelity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree

Ob Food: The story of the Christmas cake doesn't go back quite as far.

http://www.christmasarchives.com/christmascake.html

Krypsis