Have you ever heard of an upside down Christmas tree? I saw my first one several years ago in a wonderful Greek restaurant. I was amazed and intrigued. The owners came from the Eastern islands of Greece and told me this tree was their homeland’s custom.
This method of displaying a Christmas tree or Yule is from the medieval times and not a new fad. Although it is becoming more popular. Several stories connect Saint Boniface to the beginnings of the upside-down Christmas tree back in the 700’s.
He lived in Germany at the time and was sent by the pope to convert the pagans. As part of this conversion attempt, the saint cut down a pagan-revered oak tree: Donar’s sacred oak on Mount Guddenburg. When he wasn’t immediately struck by lightening for this transgression, the people were convinced their gods were false. The legend says when the oak fell, a fir tree grew immediately in its place.
Through Saint Boniface’s teaching, the new Christians thought of the fir tree as “God’s Trinity Tree,” due to the triangular shape.
First Upside-Down Trees During 12th Century
In Eastern Europe during the 12th century people began to hang the tree upside from the ceiling. These trees weren’t decorated until about three centuries later.
Decorations included food and fruits to represent abundance, and later nuts, sweets, ribbons, straw figures and colorful paper .
The upside down Christmas tree became a favorite among the Slavic nations.
Upside-Down Trees Easy to Find
These upside down Christmas trees are gained some popularity here in the states. One can purchase various sizes, pre-lit, and in white, green or gold from Target, Walmart, Home Depot and other stores or, of course, on-line for over $100-400. One gold colored, artificial, 7 foot, pre-lit, upside-down tree cost $849.
They may be hung from the ceiling, suspended with a bracket in the wall or set on a support for the tree’s top to sit on.
Some Advantages
There are advantages to using an upside down Christmas tree.
Floor space is saved; fewer ornaments can be broken or played with by pets or children; the tree’s decorations can be placed and enjoyed at eye level; and there is more room for presents.
The one question I didn’t see an answer for was: Where do you put the star or the angel? Any ideas? Add your thoughts to the comments please!
joyful2beeblogs 
Interesting that there would be no star/angel. No one item is specifically above all the others.
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Never thought about one item not being specifically above the others. Hmm. I like the star or the angel though so I have a regular tree.
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I don’t like it! Merry Christmas! … up side up and down side down! 🙂 & ❤ .
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What?!? How have I never heard of this!! That looks so bizarre!
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I didn’t know myself until about 2 years ago. Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. Lol
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I lived an hour away from Thessaloniki, Greece for 26 years and never heard of this . Love the new things I learn from you 🙂
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Thank you. I love to share unusual things, customs, ideas and pictures too.
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🙂 You are welcome!
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Interesting! I like the star and angel too, so wouldn’t work for me 😉
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I totally agree! I love the star or angel on top instead of on the bottom or not at all.
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Hi
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Hello, Nisthur.
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Hi….How are you ?
How is your health …Mood ?
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All is well, thank you. And you?
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Me too…. Haha…Lol..
Feeling better in your company…
Thanks for replying…
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Well, thank you. Have a good day.
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You too have beautiful day. Thanks for your time. Thanks for spreading happiness.
You are beautiful soul.
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Thank you.
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Another advantage would be that lower hanging ornaments not so easily reached by cats, children etc. And more room for presents. This is a new idea for me. Thanks for introducing it to me.
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That’s really interesting!
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Thanks! I didn’t he research on it years ago and thought it might still be of interest. Delighted that you liked it.
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I have seen these trees. My husband would never go for one of these. Lol. Interesting to know there is a history behind them.
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Thank you! I have only seen one in a Greek restaurant which closed a few years ago. That’s the one in the picture. So delighted that you liked this post.
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Interesting. I’ve never heard of an upside down Christmas tree.
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I have only seen one. But have had two or three friends tell me they had seen one or a family relative had one. I wondered how many had seen or had one.
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I may have to look into this and blog about it too
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It has practical applications. LOL!
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Great! I didn’t t know they were still popular! Delighted that you shared it! Thank you!! Merry Christmas!!
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I shared your post on my blog too! Got,about 10 more reads and the day isn’t even over! Thank you!!
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Thanks for sharing my post. So happy you and others found it interesting.
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Thanks for sharing my post. I am so pleased that you enjoyed it!
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Such a great post!
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Thank you, Mazoli! I am delighted that you enjoyed it!! Happy New Year!
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I recently heard of this as a solution to stop cats destroying the trees … until we worked out that they can jump! 🤣 🤦♀️
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Oh, yes! Jumping. cats would just love the excitement and challenge! Well it may help with dogs and small children. LOL! I heard recently upside down Christmas trees are becoming more popular in some areas. Thanks for commenting!!
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Wow! So interesting 😃 I was also wondering about the star and trying to picture where it would go.
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Morag, I thought it was a fascinating idea but cats do like to jump so I am not sure how safe the tree would be from cats. LOL. Thanks for commenting!!
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