Sleep three more times and then it makes its grand appearance in the candlelight: the Christmas tree. He is a regular annual guest in around three-quarters of all Austrian homes. Austrian Christmas lovers and Christmas tree farmers have their German neighbors to thank for that.
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Because it was Fanny von Arnstein, who came from a Berlin Jewish family, in whose illustrious Vienna hall, in 1814, the first decorated and historically documented Christmas tree was placed. Two years later, the Habsburgs followed suit – more precisely, the married German Protestant Henriette von Nassau Weilburg, who in turn had a pine tree installed in the ballroom of her palace.
From Vienna, the Christmas conifer began its triumphal march across Austria and today is an integral part of the celebration. After all, Christmas tree producers in Lower Austria alone generate an added value of around 22 million euros.
Shines like ornaments
By the way: the title quote about the ever-dwindling ornament, which seems to capture the Austrian spirit so well, also comes from a northern German pen: that of the humorist Loriot.
Tinsel, on the other hand, was also invented in Germany in the early 17th century and is said to resemble shiny icicles. And it's true – it used to be more. The reason: the traditional tin foil version contains lead and is not biodegradable. Therefore, in parallel with the growing environmental awareness of the population, it has become somewhat out of fashion.
Fortunately, for those who don't want to lose too much shine, there are more environmentally friendly, lead-free versions. And before you discard the tree, don’t forget: “It would be better without decorations!”
Plastic and discs
Austria is also now making its mark on the international Christmas tree scene. This year, for the 26th time, there is an Austrian Christmas tree at the EU Parliament in Brussels – this year's comes from Hafnerbach in Dunkelsteinerwald.
Previously – oh, horror of Christmas – a mundane plastic tree decorated the building. But according to a current survey of market players, at least 45 percent of Austrians can easily imagine placing their gifts under a reusable plastic tree.
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Austria's tallest Christmas tree, an Altaussee fir, stands this year in Graz's main square. It is 29 meters tall and an impressive 80 years old. For comparison purposes: a “conventional” Christmas tree, like the one found in living rooms across the country, is – depending on the type of tree – between 7 and 12 years old.
Fresh firs
The most popular Christmas tree in our latitudes is the Nordmann spruce. It has a market share of almost 80%. Its long, soft needles and uniform structure make it particularly suitable for abundant tree decorations. Blue spruce follows closely behind, at 10 to 15 percent. Its dense embroidery is much sharper, but it is cheaper and smells more intense than Nordmann fir. Spruce and Nobili fir follow in the last places.
If you want to avoid falling Christmas tree needles for as long as possible, you should rely on freshly cut spruce or spruce trees – and on regional suppliers whose trees do not need to be transported long distances.