By Angela S. Hale
An upside-down Christmas tree. Who has ever heard of anything so ridiculous?
Well, you may be surprised to find this unusual, yet designer tree tastefully decorated and on display in Zoey’s Downtown in Hartselle. This unique tree is one of the hottest fads of the season.The concept of an upside-down tree is new to many of us but it actually dates back to the Middle Ages.
It was a custom in Central Europe to hang Christmas trees upside down in the 12th Century. Europeans believed the triangular shape of the Fir Tree described the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and it was a symbol of Christianity.
The real reason behind the hanging of the tree upside down still remains vague.
Today’s Christmas trees are shaped with the tip pointing upward towards heaven, and some people think an upside-down Christmas tree is disrespectful or even sacrilegious.
These trees were recently introduced to retailers at market for their holiday in-store displays. Jana S. Downs, owner of Zoey’s Downtown, said she really likes her upside down tree. “I can not only display ornaments at eye level and it gives me more open floor space to hold extra stock of decorations and gifts.”
Downs said she doesn’t sell the trees but they are available online starting at about $240 for a 7.5 foot tree.
Upside-down Christmas trees are either hung from a bracket on the ceiling like a chandelier, stood upside down on a stand, or mounted tip-down on the wall. Downs said someone could actually take their regular Christmas tree and turn it upside-down with a little creativity.
While you may not go for this idea in a big way, you might see a few of the benefits.If you have little children, you can keep most of the ornaments away from little hands.
Cats and dogs won’t be racing around and knocking decorations off the base of the tree. “And just think how many more packages you will be able to put under the tree,” Downs added.
On a personal note, I simply love this wonderful season and celebration of Christmas. And I especially love decorating my home for the holidays.
I know that not all traditions have to do with the birth of Christ although He is the reason for the season. I simply love the celebrations of love of family and giving, and I don’t intend to turn those elements of thanksgiving “upside-down” in my home but sometimes it is nice to think outside the box.Happy Holidays from our family to yours!