Michael Garland: Placing the Star on the Christmas Tree

Artist: Michael Garland
1952 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1996
Image Size: 12 by 14 inches
Overall Size: 15 by 17 inches
Medium: Oil on Cold Press Illustration Board

The festive tradition of trimming the Christmas tree originated in 16th century Germany. Decorations consisted mostly of delicious sweets that filled homes with the wonderful aromas of spiced apples, sugar cookies, gilded nuts and candied dates. Other decorations included miniature figurines representing shepherds, as well as a variety of colored paper flowers. The custom of tree decorating was introduced to England in 1841, when the royal family -- Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert -- celebrated the holidays around a gigantic tree covered with elegant wax tapers and sweet treats. Edible ornaments continued to be the primary trimming until 1860, when the Germans began to create glass Christmas decorations. Modern tree ornaments come in a variety of designs, such as trumpets, angels, doves and holly berries, as well as small toys, candy canes, tinsel and glittering garland. However, of all the types of decorations used for the Christmas tree, the star perhaps best symbolizes the spiritual meaning of the holiday. When Christ was born in Bethlehem, a star led the wise men to the Holy Child. Christ is referred to in the Bible as "the bright and morning Star" and "the Light of the World." The star continues to be an important symbol throughout the world during the Christmas season . A European tradition concerning the star takes place on Christmas eve when bands of "star singers" walk through the streets singing Christmas carols and carrying poles topped with star-shaped lanterns.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 32¢ Placing the Star stamp issued October 8, 1996.

Artwork Copyright © 1996 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB15544

US$ Price: $2,000.00

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