O Christmas Tree

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Interestingly, neither the text nor the music of "Tannenbaum" started as a song associated with Christmas. Tannenbaum means "fir tree" not "Christmas tree." In 1820 a preacher and folk music collector, August Zarnack published a love song titled "O Tannenbaum" in which the fir tree is contrasted with a faithless lover. His poem was set to the music of the German folk tune associated with the carol, first published in 1799. At this time the custom of evergreen trees used as Christmas trees was becoming popular in Germany. A schoolmaster and organist, Ernst Anschutz borrowed the first verse of the love song by Zarnack and added two verses of his own. Today "O Tannenbaum" or "Oh Christmas Tree" remains one of the most sung and popular Christmas carols. The melody is used for several American state songs and college Alma Maters. Now this is not the traditional song but the melody is there and I think it will brighten your day and the cats are adorable