Easter tree

As in the United States, the Christmas tree was introduced in Chile around 1851 by German immigrants who came to colonize southern Chile. It would be these hard- working German families who would celebrate Chritmas with a pine tree, decorated with cherries, strawberries and candles.

In Chile, Easter was celebrated only as a religious holiday until the 40's - 50's. The children received gifts for "kings" that is to say on Junuary 6 when they are supposed to have arrived at the manger where Jesus was born to adore him and bring him presents.

A wide variety of objects and elements are currently used for decorating the tree, the most traditional being:

• star
• spheres
• brows
• lights