These lights were born from a brilliant idea by Albert Sadacca, an immigrant teenager.
The history of the christmas lightsone of the most emblematic end-of-year traditions, has an unexpected origin. Although many associate the popularization of lights with famous figures such as Thomas Edison, he is an immigrant teenager, Albert Sadaccawho transformed that custom and made it accessible to everyone. What began as a small idea, at the beginning of the 20th century, would become a global phenomenon that lights up every corner of the world during the Christmas holidays.
From its humble beginnings in New York to the great expansion of tradition, the evolution of this invention is an example of creativity, challenge and success.
How Christmas lights were created
The lights that today adorn homes every December have a much deeper and older history than one could imagine. Although the tradition of lighting Christmas trees with candles dates back to medieval times, the real turn towards electricity occurred at the end of the 19th century.
The first step towards Christmas lights as they are known today was taken by Thomas Edison. In 1880, the American managed to create a practical light bulban innovation that would be fundamental for the evolution of Christmas decorations. Years later, in 1882, Edward H. Johnsona close friend of Edison, installed the first string of electric lights on a Christmas tree in New York. The 80 colored bulbs (red, white and blue) illuminated its tree, which also rotated, becoming a spectacle for passersby.
However, despite this technological advance, this initiative of the festival It was not immediately accepted.. At the beginning of the 20th century, electricity was still something new and unknown, which generated distrust in many people. The customs of the time continued to lean towards candlesdespite the inherent dangers. It was in 1917 when, after a tragic fire caused by candles on a Christmas tree in New York, Albert Sadacca, a 15-year-old immigrant, had an idea that would change history.
The inventor, who He worked with his family in a light bulb storewas inspired by that disaster to create a safer alternative. He adapted the cheap alternative he sold in the store to turn them into a special string of lights for Christmas trees. At first, only a few units were sold, but the impact of that idea was immediate. In 1926, Albert founded NOMA Electric Co.which quickly positioned itself as the largest supplier of Christmas lights in the United States.
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What started as a small initiative in a New York store, It quickly became a tradition that would spread throughout the world.. The popularity of Christmas lights grew enormously in the following decades, and today, luminous decorations are an essential part of the end-of-year festivities in millions of homes around the planet.
What many may not know is that young Albert Sadacca not only had the brilliant idea of electric Christmas lights, but he also understood their commercial potential, becoming a visionary. His contribution forever changed the way people celebrate Christmas.bringing light and color to homes in all corners of the world.
Source: Ambito
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