Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Children Dressed for Christmas Pageant" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Combination Cover for the U.S. 20 Christmas Madonna and Child stamp and the 20c Christmas Madonna and Child stamp issued October 28, 1981. Popular legend credits Germany's Martin Luther with the origin of the Christmas tree. On a starlit evening, the beauty of the stars shining through the pine captivated Luther as he strolled toward home. Longing to share this glory, he cut the tree down, carried it home, and covered it with lighted candles -- much to the delight of his adoring family. Though it originated in Germany, the Christmas tree with its picturesque beauty and unique charm soon became a favorite custom throughout the world. Image Size: 14.25 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 15 in. Unframed. (B07416)