Leipzig's 2021 Christmas Tree Hails from Torgau
Leipzig's Christmas tree this year hails from the nearby town of Torgau. In the past, trees from the Vogtland region have graced the city's festive market, but the latest find sourced within Leipzig and its surroundings captivated city officials. The chosen tree? A breathtaking 21-meter-tall Douglas fir, tipping the scales at a hefty five tons!
The tree's owner kindly offered this colossal arboreal wonder, as its impending fall due to size and property location was imminent. Mark your calendars, for this structural marvel is set to be erected on November 9, before receiving 300 gleaming red and golden ornaments and an impressive 3,000 twinkling lights.
Conveniently, the Christmas market itself will commence in Leipzig from November 28, continuing its joyful spirit and magic through December 23.
How came the monumental Douglas fir from Torgau to claim the spotlight this year? The selection process delved into municipalities nestled closer to Leipzig, given the customs office's tendencies to favor trees from specific regions to avoid import fees. This year, the presence of a 21-meter Douglas fir within Torgau, poised to be felled due to its size, location, and imminent fall, proved an irresistible find.
The origin of the Christmas tree is not exclusive to the 2021 Leipzig Christmas market but rather a centuries-old tradition. Though often attributed to 16th-century Germany and the regions of Alsace (now part of France) and the German state of Thuringia, the specific details of the city's 2021 tree are conspicuous by their absence in historical records.
Historical Bits and Pieces
First introduced as a symbol of life and hope during the cold, dark winter months, the evergreen fir tree has held significant meaning throughout history. The tradition gained popularity towards the 16th century, thanks to Martin Luther, a German Protestant reformer, who decorated a small fir tree with candles to inspire his children with the spiritual significance of faith during the Christian season.
The origin of Leipzig's annual Christmas market dates back to 1458, incorporating elements of Germany's broader festive traditions, including the evergreen fir tree. However, the nitty-gritty specifics of the 2021 Leipzig Christmas tree are yet to materialize in historical records.
