The Christmas Tree (Roberts)

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

Strathspey
1- 8 All circle 8H round and back
9-16 All petronella turn to Ladies BtoB facing partners and set, turn partners RH twice round
17-24 All Ladies dance LH across 1½ times while Men chase clockwise ½ way, all turn partners RH 1½ times to Men BtoB facing partners
25-32 All Men dance LH across 1½ times while Ladies chase clockwise ½ way, all turn partners RH 2¼ times to end in original places

Reel
1- 8 All dance Grand Chain ½ way, set and turn partners 2H
9-16 Repeat bars 1-8 back to places
17-24 All Ladies advance (clap) and Retire, all Men advance (clap) and Retire
25-32 All set twice and turn 2H

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

The Christmas tree is one of the most recognisable symbols of the festive season, with origins that can be traced back to winter celebrations long before the Christian era.

Evergreen plants were used in ancient societies to mark the solstice, symbolising life and renewal during the darkest time of the year. The modern tradition of the decorated Christmas tree developed in Central Europe, particularly in Germany, where by the sixteenth century families began bringing fir or spruce trees into their homes and adorning them with candles, paper roses, apples, and sweets. The practice spread across Europe and later to North America, becoming firmly established as part of Christmas customs.

In Britain, the Christmas tree gained popularity in the nineteenth century after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were depicted with a decorated tree at Windsor Castle, an image that influenced households across the country. With the advent of electricity, candles were replaced by lights, and ornaments expanded to include glass baubles, tinsel, and stars.

Today, both real and artificial trees are widely used, decorated with a variety of traditional and modern ornaments, and often placed at the centre of family celebrations. The Christmas tree remains a universal feature of the holiday, combining ancient symbolism with modern festive practice.

O Christmas Tree - Song was based on a traditional folk song which was unrelated to Christmas, but became associated with the traditional Christmas tree by the middle of the 19th century and sung as a Christmas carol.

O Christmas Tree Song - Information Video

Christmas Tree, Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany

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