Hello Renee and Jim! Below is some interesting information I found about cotton batting ornaments and using cotton batting on sassafras and other trees to make a Christmas tree. NOTE: Most articles on batting warn to be sure the batting it treated to prevent fire. Since you're both familiar with Clearfield area, I was wondering if either of you might have known my grandfather, Thomas Berry? He was a coal miner. Lived originally (after coming from Scotland) in Dagus Mines, then moved to Morrisdale where he raised his family. Family included Sidonia Moreau Berry (wife) and two sons, Grant (my father) and Norman). Thomas was injured in the mines, and left disabled. Walked with a cane. Got a job with Robert Bailey, Morrisdale, as night watchman. If you have any information about this family, I would very much appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!! Ornaments ---- _http://www.goldenglow.org/cotton-batting-ornaments.htm_ (http://www.goldenglow.org/cotton-batting-ornaments.htm) Tree Trivia -- _http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/treetrivia.htm_ (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/treetrivia.htm) ____________________________________ Who originated the idea of an indoor Christmas tree? People often wonder where the custom of having a tree in the home during Christmas time comes from. We will probably never know for sure. But there are many historical clues that point out where this custom came from. Thousands of years ago, there were people who believed that evergreen trees were magical. Even in winter, when all the other trees and were brown and bare, the evergreen tree stayed strong and green. People saw the evergreen as a symbol of life and as a sure sign that sunshine and spring would soon return. Candles, or the electric lights we use to decorate our trees today, are also an ancient symbol. They represent the light of spring overcoming the darkness of winter. Some believe the Christmas tree tradition was started by ancient Jews, who used evergreen boughs to decorate their homes during the late autumn Feast of the Tabernacles or by Romans, who used evergreens to symbolize good fortune during their midwinter feast of Saturnalia. Others say the tradition began when Druids decorated trees in celebration of the winter solstice. However, the first documented record of a true "Christmas tree" dates to 1604 in Germany. Legend has it Martin Luther was inspired by the beauty of fir trees one starry winter night. He supposedly cut one down, brought it inside and decorated it with candles in memory of the Christmas star and to celebrate Christmas. Actually, the tradition of using trees to celebrate the winter holidays may have started long before the birth of Christ. What other types of trees, other than evergreen conifers, such as pines and firs, have been used as Christmas trees? Flowering trees, such as cherry, apricot, horse chestnut and hawthorns were among the nonevergreen, or deciduous trees, used as Christmas trees in the past. In the 19th century, expendable species of deciduous trees, such as sassafras, were brought inside for decoration. These might be wrapped with cotton batting to simulate snow - an interesting decorating idea for today. Who started the tradition of electric lights to decorate Christmas trees? Trees were decorated with wax candles from the early days of Christmas tree tradition. Over the next 20 years, candlelit trees became popular, the lights symbolising rebirth. As you can imagine, this was dangerous, and there are many tragic accounts of fires caused by this way of "lighting" the Christmas tree. In 1882, Thomas Edison's laboratory assistants at Menlo Park introduced the first electrically lit Christmas tree; it had 80 bulbs and cost a small fortune. Even when strings of lights were produced commercially in 1903, they cost an average American's weekly wage. Today, we recommend using miniature lights on indoor trees because they produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree. How many trees are grown for Christmas each year? Today, Christmas trees are grown much like any other agricultural crop. In fact, about 112,000 acres in the Northwest are planted with about 11 million trees. These trees are shipped across the United States and overseas to China, Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Guam, Puerto Rico and Samoa. What is the difference between Fraser fir and Balsam fir? Fraser firs are not quite as prickly as a Balsam, but, the Balsam firs are much more aromatic. Are live trees better for the environment than plastic ones? This is a good question, and, ultimately, is a personal decision. Our belief, though, is that live trees are more ecologically sound. Here are some reasons why: A plastic tree you can use year after year, until it fades and is no longer attractive. A live tree you use one year, and then can use it for firewood, potpourri, or mulch for your spring garden. A plastic tree, most dumps will accept, but they do not biodegrade, at all, nor are they recyclable. A live tree, most dumps will no longer accept, but, the tree can be composted in your own yard. Plastic trees are manufactured in factories, from petroleum-based products, The process releasing noxious gases into the atmosphere. Live trees are grown as a crop. Why is there an angel on top of the tree? The fairy at the top of the Christmas tree was originally a little figure of the baby Jesus. In late seventeenth century Germany this became a shining angel. Windsor Castle's Christmas trees were topped by a large angel. In Victorian Britain, little girls would take the angel down after Christmas and dress him in dolls' clothes. Eventually the angel turned into a thoroughly female fairy, complete with wand. The transformation was boosted by the pantomimes that became popular in the Victorian era - and, naturally, included a good fairy in the cast. What about the wreaths? Christmas wreaths combine two symbols of everlasting life. The evergreen bough, that stays green all winter and a continuous unbroken circular shape. (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/index.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/who.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/what.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/where.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/treetrivia.htm) (http://www.johnsonstreefarms.com/xmasmeaning.htm) .........Grant Berry Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get. . . Charles Lamb (1775-1834) English essayist and poet ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com