Christmas lights

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Christmas lights, also known as fairy lights, holiday lights, or festive lights, are lights used for decoration in celebration of Christmas, often on display throughout the Christmas season including Advent and Christmastide. The tradition goes back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. These were brought by Christians into their homes in early modern Germany. Christmas trees displayed publicly and illuminated with electric lights became popular in the early 20th century.

History

The custom of illuminating Christmas trees with candles dates back to the 17th century in Germany. Candles for the tree were glued with melted wax to a tree branch or attached by pins. Around 1890, candleholders were first used for Christmas candles. Between 1902 and 1914, small lanterns and glass balls to hold the candles started to be used. The first known electrically illuminated Christmas tree was the creation of Edward H. Johnson, an associate of inventor Thomas Edison. In 1882, the first Christmas tree was lit by the use of electricity. By the mid-20th century, it became customary to display strings of electric lights along streets and on buildings; Christmas decorations detached from the Christmas tree itself.

Types of Lights

Christmas lights come in a wide variety of bulb sizes, shapes, and colors, as well as a range of voltages and configurations. The two main types of Christmas lights are incandescent and LED.

Incandescent Lights

Incandescent Christmas lights are traditional lights, which produce light by heating a metal filament wire to a high temperature until it glows. The glass bulb then illuminates in a warm, yellowish glow.

LED Lights

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are a more recent development in Christmas lighting technology. They are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than incandescent bulbs. LED lights can produce a range of colors and can be programmed for various light patterns.

Installation and Use

Christmas lights are often used for decorating the interior and exterior of houses, buildings, and other structures during the holiday season. Popular uses include adorning Christmas trees, outlining the eaves of houses, and illuminating bushes and trees in gardens and parks. Safety is a significant concern with Christmas lights, and it is essential to use lights that are certified for their intended use and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.

Environmental Impact

The shift from incandescent lights to LED lights has had a positive impact on the environmental footprint of Christmas lighting. LED lights consume up to 90% less power than incandescent lights, reducing the energy consumption associated with holiday lighting.

Cultural Significance

Christmas lights have a significant cultural impact during the holiday season, creating an atmosphere of festivity and celebration. They are a symbol of joy, warmth, and the holiday spirit, bringing communities together and enhancing the beauty of the Christmas season.