What are the most beautiful Christmas trees in the world according to Condé Nast?

From last December 8, The Christmas tree It became the center of attention of adults and children. However, their role is not only in homes, but also in different public spaces, almost as protagonists in a kind of international competition It ends on December 24, where gifts decorate this wonderful pine tree.

Christmas trees are not just a simple tradition, but a ritual that brings families and communities together in an atmosphere of anticipation and joy. A tree with majestic presence and dazzling decor, positioned as a beacon of hope and happiness. As such, a valuable way to travels Condé Nast Traveler Made the list of the world's most spectacular Christmas trees in 2023.

According to historian and author Fernando Casuelo, consulted Infobay, the Christmas tree is the result of a cultural evolution that absorbed and reflected the beliefs and practices of many civilizations. Deeply rooted in the Christian faith, this symbol is imbued with a mixture of ancient pagan beliefs and Christian teachings.

For example, Nordic cultures decorated a tree in honor of Frey, the god of fertility and light, a symbol of hope and renewal. This practice, though distant in time and space, echoes the way we decorate our trees today. Similarly, the Celts celebrated the winter solstice by decorating an oak tree and surrounding it with torches, a ceremony that marked the change of season and expressed community and joy.

Meanwhile, Christianity adopted and adapted these pagan traditions, giving them new meaning. The evergreen leaves of the tree, which maintain their color and vitality throughout the seasons, became a symbol of God's eternal love and the birth of Christ. Casullo pointed out that the Christmas tree, in its current use and form, is a symbol of the intertwining of ancient pagan beliefs and Christian teachings.

Tree decorations such as red apples and lanterns have deep symbolic meanings. The apples represent Adam and Eve's fruit from the tree of life, while the lamps represent the soul of Christ. These elements reflect the rich cultural timeline that defines our Christmas celebrations.

It is for this reason that the Christmas tree, rather than a simple decoration, represents a diverse and unifying cultural tradition., according to the expert. A tradition linked to the peoples of northern Europe and to paganism, especially the mythology of the Vikings, was adopted and changed by Christians and mixed with their own beliefs. Thus, the Christmas tree represents a cultural harmony spanning centuries of history, bringing together ancient and modern traditions in a celebration of faith, hope and community.

Trafalgar Square, London: In this city, there are a lot of Christmas movies that are shining among the fans. That's why “the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is usually one of those iconic spots where you can take a regular photo of the city lit up”; However, according to Condé Nast, its origins are Norwegian. “This is an annual gift from the people of Norway to the British since 1942 to thank them for their support during the war. “It is a single sapling, usually 50 to 60 years old, usually more than 20 meters tall, and shipped by sea to the UK by barge,” they highlighted.

Strasbourg: A Christmas tree is accepted in Strasbourg only if it exceeds 30 meters. “It weighs from seven to nine tons and has a trunk with a diameter of up to 120 centimeters. Every year, it is transported hundreds of kilometers through the forests of Alsace, Moselle and Vosges, in whose territories the jewel that illuminates the main square is usually found, the search for which begins in March, ” the publication highlighted.

Rockefeller Center in New York: “Rockefeller Center's iconic tree in New York is a symbol of the city. In fact, it's the most searched for on Google and Instagram worldwide, perhaps because of its photogenic image. It's guarded by a sculpture of the god Prometheus in front of what's already a skiing mecca in winter,” Conte Nast said.

Very ornate: One standing in the Zócalo in Mexico City is “the most ornate of all, as it has about a thousand balls for its approximate height of 40 meters. It lights up with a big countdown to early December and is the backdrop for festivals and concerts,” they explained from the release.

The largest in the world: In Guppio, Italy, a Christmas tree is fully installed in a town. “For almost a month – from December 7 to January 12 – a total of 950 lights are installed on the climb to Mount Ingino, which gives a festive and impressive image that fills the residents of Gupbio (Italy) with pride and admires tourists. . Together they form the famous Christmas tree of the city, which The world's largest,” they explained.

Brag, stuffy and classic: At 24 meters high, this tree stands in Prague's Old Town Square. “Before being transported to the capital, it was cut in the Czech part of Liberec, decorated with giant Christmas stars and red and gold decorations and covered in the glow of 100,000 LED lights. Its profile creates a spectacular sight against the dark Gothic skyline,” they explained.

Bratislava: Its historic center looks like a scene from a Christmas story. “Its intricate streets and squares with the hilltop castle invite us to lose ourselves in the city. Since 1925, its main square has a 40-year-old, 12-meter-high Christmas tree from Solosnica Street in Karlova Ves, and is placed in the center for its illumination,” They mentioned that.

Rio de Janeiro and a floating tree: “Joy and fun to the sound of popular rhythms that invite you to party. It's Christmas in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), where you can think of one of the world's largest trees (it's 85 meters high) floating over the Rodrigo de Freitas pool, where thousands of people gather, without shelter. to participate in its illumination,” said Condé Nast.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann: Known for their elegant decor, the expanding Christmas trees are inspired by “designer Charles de Wilmore's childhood memories of Christmases with his grandparents and 1,725 ​​lights.”

Vilnius: This highly awarded “Christmas tree, often named the most beautiful in Europe, greets every festive season with an equally attractive author's creation, which will become a symbol of all Lithuania,” they concluded.