Tree-topper
A tree-topper or treetopper is a decorative ornament placed on the top (or "crown") of a Christmas tree or Chrismon tree.[1][2] Tree-toppers come in many forms, with the most common being a star (representing the Star of Bethlehem) or an angel (representing the Angel Gabriel), both from the Nativity.[1][3] Additional forms range from a Christian cross, white dove, paper rosette, ribbon bow, Father Christmas or Santa Claus.
Tree-toppers may be made of a wide range of materials. Modern plastic tree-toppers are often electric and, once connected with the tree's lights, offer a gentle glow. Following World War II, various symbols of Christmastide, such as stars, were introduced as electrified tree-toppers. The tradition of using a symbol representing the Star of Bethlehem as a tree-topper, however, dates as early as the 1840s.[1]
Origin and use
The use of a Christmas angel as a tree-topper represents the angel Gabriel from the Nativity of Jesus:[3]
Use of a star represents the Star of Bethlehem:
During the 1870s, in conjunction with the growing power of the British Empire, the Union Jack became another popular tree-topper among some persons.[4]
Popular culture
Hans Christian Andersen's 1844 short story, "The Fir-Tree", describes the decoration of a Christmas tree in Denmark, including its topper:
The use of a tree-topper is also depicted in Christmas songs, with lines such as "Först en stjärna utav gull" and "So hang a shining star upon the highest bough".
Gallery
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Post-War NOMA plastic, electrified angel tree-topper
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Christmas star in Croatia
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Homemade Christmas angel
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"That pretty German toy, a Christmas tree" (1848), The Illustrated London News
