1781 Christmas In Canada

by Mel Crawford

Title

1781 Christmas In Canada

Artist

Mel Crawford

Medium

Painting - Mixed Media On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

1981 marked the 200th anniversary of the introduction of the illuminated Christmas tree to Canada. The first such Christmas tree in Canada was set up in 1781 at Sorel, Quebec, by Friederike von Riedesel and her husband, General Friedrich von Riedesel. The General had come to Canada in 1776 in command of a contingent of German troops to help put down the American Revolution. Although expecting herthird child, the Baroness with her two children followed her husband to Canada in 1777. Captured by the Americans at the Battle of Saratoga, the family spent two years in captivity and two additional years in the United States before returning to Sorel in 1781. On Christmas Day 1781, the Riedesels moved into a new home, and to celebrate Christmas, the Baroness put up a decorated and illuminated Christmas tree, a spectacle that is said to have astounded her guests. The custom, thus introduced to Canada, spread, and within a few short years, Canadian homes across the country could be seen sharing the joy, beauty, and excitement of having their own brightly lit Christmas trees. And in time, the rainbow of colored cylindrical candles were joined by amazingly detailed wax figurine candles of merry Christmas characters, further enhancing the beauty of the Christmas tree.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1981 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB06191

Uploaded

April 24th, 2022

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