The Christmas topic in music and literature The fascination of a green and shiny Christmas tree in the darkest and greyest time of the year is reflected in the lyrics of many Christmas carols, in which the evergreen fir tree is honoured. Especially, the childish go into raptures when looking at the candle-flooded tree for the first time is an always repeating topic. While taking a further look or hear, you can discover the old meaning in the Christmas carols. For example, the text of "O Christmas tree" describes the hope for a reawakening of nature in Spring, caused by the evergreen Christmas tree. As also in music, descriptions of fragrant, shiny Christmas trees with splendid decoration in literature. One of the earliest descriptions of a christmas tree is in Goethe´s "Werther" of 1774. The most popular one should be Theodor Storms Christmas tale "Under the Christmas tree" (Unter dem Tannenbaum), in which the unwrapping, building and decorating of a Christmas tree are very carefully described. By the way, this tale, which appeared at first in 1865, contains the famous poem "Von drauß' vom Walde komm ich her..." In Thomas Mann´s book "Buddenbrooks" (1901), the atmosphere and the decorated tree are twice described very impressively. This shows that christmas turned into THE family celebration in German traditions.   More informations about the history of the Christmas tree. The symbolism of the Christmas tree and its decoration.