MONROE — At 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Turner Hall of Monroe will be turning back the hands of time to a period in the not-so-distant past when Christmas observances were much simpler and without the trappings of modern-day consumerism.

All are invited to Turner Hall’s 15th Annual Candle Tree-Lighting and Carol Sing, at which attendees will have a chance to light one of over 100 real candles on a freshly cut evergreen tree. A common custom in many European and American households before the advent of electricity, commercialism and artificial trees, the candlelit Christmas tree had its origins in Germany, probably around the sixteenth century. Martin Luther, the German theologian who lived from 1483 to 1546, is generally credited with originating the use of lights on the tree in the form of lit candles, in an attempt to describe to his wife and children the beauty of the snow-covered forest under a glittering starlit sky. 

The Monroe Brass Quintet will accompany informal singing of carols and provide some festive music while everyone basks in the glow of the lit tree. There will also be a visit from Swiss Samichlaus and his bad-behavior consultant from the Black Forest, Schmutzli.

Free-will donations will be accepted for Turner Hall’s Swiss Heritage Series. More information is available at turnerhallofmonroe.org/treelighting.html.