The tradition of putting up and decorating a Christmas tree in the USSR has its roots in pre-revolutionary Russia, but acquired a special form during the Soviet period. History and dates: 1. The emergence of the tradition in Russia: Christmas trees began to be decorated in Russia in the 18th century due to the influence of German culture. The first Christmas tree appeared in St. Petersburg under Peter I in 1700, when he adopted European customs. Later, this tradition spread among the nobility and the bourgeoisie. 2. The ban on the tree after the revolution: After the October Revolution of 1917, the tree was banned as a “bourgeois” and religious symbol. Since the 1920s, the celebration of Christmas in the USSR has practically ceased. 3. The return of the tree as a New Year's symbol: In 1935, the tradition was restored thanks to the initiative of party activist Pavel Postyshev. He suggested bringing back the tree, but not as a Christmas tree, but as a “New Year tree” — a secular symbol of the holiday for children. He wrote an article in the newspaper “Pravda” where he suggested decorating the tree to make the New Year joyful for Soviet children. 4. Consolidation of the tradition: Since 1937, the tree has become part of the New Year celebrations. The first official New Year's holiday with a decorated tree was held in the Kremlin. From that moment on, the tradition spread throughout the country. 5. Soviet interpretation: The tree lost its religious meaning and became a symbol of the New Year. Toys depicting pioneers, stars, astronauts and other attributes of Soviet ideology were hung on it. Thus, the tradition of decorating the tree in the USSR appeared due to its rethinking from a religious symbol to a secular attribute corresponding to the ideals of the Soviet state. https://t.me/DecentraM/13479