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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Christmas trees around the world

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.



The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes

of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region.

Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire,

the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city




A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is

projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.




Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square,

and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous

Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains

in the southern Czech Republic.




Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world

for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree

in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone

Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern

reflection of the holiday season.



Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox

calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with

festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical

troika with the Snow Maiden.

He and his helper deliver gifts under

the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.




The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall)

can be found Lisbon, Portugal.

Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special

enchantment of the city during the holiday season.


Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire,

aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains,

a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.




Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette!

In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic.

With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and

high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws

more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower




In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square

in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.




The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol

is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes

millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a citizen

will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.



A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II,

the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been

the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.



Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer;

Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.




Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of

Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).




Arlington Cemetery
These wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out.

16 comments:

Sadie said...

What great photos. Thanks for sharing. The Arlington Cemetery was the perfect way to end the post.

Unknown said...

Very interesting and beautiful!! Thanks Mari.

LL Cool Joe said...

I have to say I think my favourite, are the 3 different colour trees in your second to last photo, but they are all stunning!

Rae said...

All of them beautiful in their own way. Arlington's decorations sure make a statement.

Anna Bailee (Chelsea) said...

wow, that's neat! I really like the one in Germany's Karwendel mts., and the Arlington cemetery is really cool.

Karin said...

Just watched a program the other day featuring a variety of extreme Christmas trees and decorations. Was so fascinating to watch the tree go up in the Biltmore - that Betsy and George love to visit! This is an interesting post showing different ones than those shown in the program! I'm wondering if the glasswork tree makes musical noise as the winter winds whip through the pipes! Each tree has a unique beautiful! The decorated Arlington Cemetery is such a touching close to your photo essay!

Jenny said...

They're all great and wondrous but that last one brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate your bringing this to us, Mari. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Have fun shopping for that precious granddaughter.

Nancy said...

I am so glad you shared these pictures and the information.....I had no idea there were so many beautiful and unusual trees all around the world....

Have a great week....

Connie said...

The Arlington Cemetery one looks so "pretty" but we all know that war is not "pretty". However, it is very fitting to put wreaths on the graves in honor of their scarifice.

Penny said...

Oh, I love that second tree! What a great, fun blog!

Pat said...

I love every one of these, it would be so hard to choose a favorite, however...that one in Italy on the hillside amazes me. Where did they plug it in? LOL I would love to live in a town where I could see the mountains decorated like that!
Thanks for a great post!

Sweet Tea said...

That was fun - I enjoyed all those lovely photos.
Thanks for sharing with us, Mari!

Sharon said...

I truly enjoyed seeing all of those trees and my favorite one was the little chapel.
I also agree that the one of Arlington was a good way to end this but it was so sad to look at.
Hugs

RR Mama said...

These are all beautiful trees. The last picture touches my heart deeply. Merry Christmas Mari!

ancient one said...

I agree with LL Cool Joe. Those three colored trees in the snow and ice were the prettiest. It was a very interesting post.

Kim said...

Fascinating Mari! Thanks for sharing!