The exhibition features beautifully decorated trees from different periods of history - from ancient pagan times right up to the present day - along with explanations of the myths and stories associated with them.
As you take a walk through the Christmas wonderland, you come across such trees as the 'gingerbread tree, the 'modernist tree' and the American popcorn tree'.
The American popcorn tree
Amongst the questions answered at the exhibition are: What decoration was inspired by spider's webs? When was the first artificial tree used? And when was the first printed reference to the Christmas tree?
The exhibition runs till 4 January 2004 in the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral and is open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. An admission fee applies - see left for details.
And just in case you need to know... Spider's webs were the inspiration for tinsel. The 1880s saw the introduction of artificial trees. 1531 saw the first reference to decorated trees - this was in Germany.
