Tinsel invented in Germany in the early XVII century. While currently used silver. Special adaptations cut thin strips of silver - tinsel and " rain" . Silver was durable and it can be used for a long time , but it quickly dimmed by the smoke of burning candles close . Had tried to make a mixture of lead and tin , but this tinsel gets too heavy and broke down under its own weight . Therefore cheaper tinsel made ​​from flattened tin just wires. Now do tinsel foil . Decorating a Christmas tree with small candles began in the middle of the XVII century.