Light it Up

For all the people who have risked life and limb hanging lights on the house eves, today’s offering is for a you.

Today we explore origins of exterior illumination.

Like so many of our current habits, decorating with lights began with the Germans who took it to England and then brought it to the new world.

The tradition began with the Yule log some time in the 12th century. It’s design was to ward off the long, cold winter nights.

The Yule log was later replaced by candles on a fir tree. While pretty, decorators soon discovered flames and dry trees were a combustible combo.

It would be Thomas Edison’s friend, Edward H. Johnson, who was the game changer. In 1882 he wrapped a string of electric lights around a Christmas tree and plugged them into a wall socket.

The practice would take almost another decade to catch the eye of President Grover Cleveland who lit up the White House tree with electricity.

By the dawn of the 20th century strings of 24 lights were available to rent. In 1903 they cost an equivalent of almost $350 making private ownership prohibitive.

As with all technology, lights have become affordable and available to everyone.

Funko shows a little whimsy with Wonder Woman and her version of the holiday tradition.