Where did the tradition of stringing popcorn come from?
In America, German immigrants and German Americans largely popularized the concept of stringing popcorn as a yuletide decoration. They colored the popcorn using dyes and interspersed the garlands with nuts, fruits and other edible treats.
When did popcorn garland start?
Today, popcorn garlands are considered to be a classic American Christmas decoration, but they actually date back to Victorian England: American colonists in Williamsburg, Virginia, spruced up their own trees with popcorn as early as 1842.
Why was popcorn used as garland?
According to The Popcorn Board, popcorn as a holiday decoration became particularly popular in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries because the inexpensive snack food was seen as a festive, fun treat, particularly by young people.
How did decorating a tree with popcorn start?
How did this tradition get started? It goes back to the beginning of another holiday symbol. The Christmas tree was a German tradition started by devout Christians in the 16th century, and was brought to German settlements in Pennsylvania, according to History.com.
Why do cranberries have string?
To create a crimson, fresh-from-nature garland for your Christmas tree, you need a string or thread, a needle, and, of course, cranberries. Thanks to cranberries’ wax-like coating, your garland will retain its loveliness through the season. Like other fruits, people and pets shouldn’t eat the lingering berries.
What is the history of popcorn garland?
Popcorn garlands were firstly created by colonists who adapted the European tree decorating traditions. With a big needle popcorn is strung creating lines which can be wrapped around the tree. Popcorn sculptures were also popular with mini Christmas trees created with popcorn which were skewered to an apple base.
Where did the idea of stringing popcorn on the tree come from and when?
Its origins are unknown. Perhaps settlers borrowed the art of popcorn stringing from the German tradition of decorating trees with fruit? Cranberries were the most likely fruit choice to string popcorn into Christmas tree garlands because November is cranberry season.
How long do cranberries last on a Christmas tree?
When your garland is long enough, tie a knot after the last cranberry. Without sealant, garlands are good for about 3 days.
Why do we put chocolates on a Christmas tree?
Chocolate coins or chocolate shapes are also hung on the Christmas tree and the presents are put under the tree. An angel or star is usually put on the very top of the tree. The angel reminds Christians of the angel who brought glad tidings of great joy to the shepherds in the field.
How long does Cranberry popcorn garland last?
Thread the first cranberry and knot it at the end of the string. Alternate berries (3 to 10) with each piece of popcorn. When your garland is long enough, tie a knot after the last cranberry. Without sealant, garlands are good for about 3 days.
How long will cranberries last as decoration?
Cover the flowers with water, float cranberries on top and place a floating candle amid the berries. Change water daily. The piece should last up to seven days.
What kind of cranberries do you use for stringing?
Mushy cranberries do not thread well and will make a big mess! We used three bags of cranberries plus a few we had left over from Thanksgiving, and it made 12-14 feet of garland, which is a fine amount for a seven foot tree. This is great for fine motor skills too if you have little ones!
Where did the tradition of stringing Popcorn on a Christmas tree originate?
While its origins are not completely known, the art of stringing popcorn on a tree most likely came from the fact that when Christmas trees first became widespread, people didn’t have much to decorate them with.
Where did the tradition of stringing together cranberries come from?
They borrowed from the German tradition of putting fruit on the trees and because cranberries are harvested through November, its most likely that they were strung with popcorn as they were still in season.
Why was cranberries used to make popcorn Garland?
The bright berry was largely cultivated in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and became popular in popcorn garlands because of its long shelf life, according to the historical magazine Colonial Williamsburg. Cranberries could last 12 days or longer, meaning they were perfect for yuletide celebrations.
What do you put on a Christmas tree with popcorn?
Popcorn garland is a Christmas tree decoration and part of old-fashioned holiday decorating ideas. The homemade decoration is made out of popcorn threaded on a string to create a long garland that can be hung on a tree, from a fireplace mantel, or used in other Christmas decorations.