THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND DECORATIONS

          The Christmas tree is an evergreen trimmed with lights, decorations and tinsel, is derived from a «paradise tree» or the tree in the Garden of Eden. The use of the Christmas tree began early in the 17th century, in Strasbourg, France, sprea­ding from there through Germany and then into northern Eu­rope. In 1841 Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree to Great Britain, where from there immigrants brought it to the United States. Since that time it is widely used in our coun­try, too.

          Centuries ago, Romans decorated their homes, public buil­dings and temples on festive occasions and we have followed this ancient custom. During Christmas time people decorate store windows, streetlights and public buildings to celebrate this holiday, time filled with shopping, gift giving, and hap­piness. The most popular and well-known Christmas decora­tion is the Christmas tree. The first lighting of the tree signi­fies the official opening of the Christmas season.

QUESTIONS:

1.  What is the Christmas tree?

2.  When did the use of the Christmas tree begin?

3.  How did the tradition for the Christmas tree and deco­rations spread all over the world?

4.  What does the first lighting of the tree signify?

VOCABULARY:

to trim — украшать, наряжать

tinsel — мишура

to derive from— происходить, иметь начало

paradise— рай

the Garden of Eden — райский сад

to spread (past spread, p.p. spread) — распространять(ся), разносить(ся)

to introduce — вводить в употребление, применять

temple — храм

festive — праздничный

to follow — следовать, последовать; зд. перенять

to signify — означать