The ancient origin of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. From pre-Christian times, people in the Roman Empire brought branches from evergreen plants indoors in the winter. The Romans celebrated the winter solstice with a fest called Saturnalia in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture. They decorated their houses with greens and lights and exchanged gifts. They gave coins for prosperity, pastries for happiness, and lamps to light one's journey through life.

Late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Our modern Christmas tree evolved from these early traditions.

The Christmas tree market was born in 1851 when Catskill farmer Mark Carr hauled two ox sleds of evergreens into New York City and sold them all. By 1900, one in five American families had a Christmas tree, and 20 years later, the custom was nearly universal.

Decorating the tree with ornaments of all kinds is a special event in some homes today. Enjoy our selection from around the world! 

The Sun Wisdom Ornament from Mexico, or Father Sun, "Ta Kauye" is the divine source of all life, the eternal provider of sacred knowledge. He is the exalted omnipotent one, adorned with a corona of eagle feathers that radiate knowledge and life force, illuminating the way for those on the spirit path.

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