We take pride in our seasonal décor here at the Lodge, but we are sad to inform you that the 23 year tradition of tall, living Christmas trees at the Bavarian Inn Lodge has come to an end. We were not aware that the fire code disallows such large live trees from being displayed in spaces such as our lobbies. The location is too close to air vents. This was brought to the attention of our Frankenmuth Fire Chief and we are required to comply with the code even though our entire building has a fully compliant fire suppression system.
We won’t let that stop us from spreading the holiday cheer on to our visitors!
Our dedicated staff members have incorporated many new Christmas decorations and displays in our lobbies at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Part of the new decorations will include a Christmas arch in our Composer Lobby surrounded by an array of beautifully decorated trees for family photo opportunities. Our Family Fun Center has an arrangement of twelve decorated trees – all hanging upside-down from the skylight. To compliment the trees in the Family Fun Center, we have constructed a giant 20 foot tree to hang upside down in our Registration Lobby! The tree is surrounded by rotating presents and lit stars, with Santa in the loft above. We think the decorations have never looked better!
What a beautiful background for your next family photo!
Stand under the tree for a sight to see!
Why upside down, you ask? Christmas is associated with many traditions, of which the Christmas tree is an important focal point for many. The history of the upside down Christmas tree roots all the way back into the 7th century. It is during this period that St. Boniface journeyed from Devonshire, England to Germany to preach the message of God. He engaged himself in religious as well as social work and spent a lot of his time in Thuringia, Germany. This is the birthplace of the industry dealing with Christmas decorations. It is believed that St. Boniface, while staying in Thuringia, used a triangular Fir tree to represent the Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. As a result, the converted people started to worship the Fir tree as “God’s Tree.” By the 12th century it became a custom, especially in Europe, to hang Fir trees upside down to symbolize the Holy Trinity. The upside down Christmas tree was also considered to be the symbol of Christianity. Some historians suggest that hanging your Christmas tree upside down is the more traditional, and perhaps, more meaningful symbol of the Holiday. Later, when German immigrants came to the Americas, they brought the tradition of the Christmas tree with them, and now we are passing this tradition on to you and your family!
Come and see the decorations in person, as they are a beautiful addition to our unique environment! Along with the new decorations, the other public areas will continue to be decorated in a fun and festive manner.
Frölichen Weinachten! (Merry Christmas!)
