We are in the second week of December with Christmas 10 days away. People are buying Christmas trees fast and furious right now. It is fun to learn some background facts when it comes to the fresh trees and greenery that we use for holiday decorating.
The traditional use of an evergreen tree at Christmas Season has a long history. In the 1300s the inhabitants of northern Europe and Scandinavia used evergreen branches around their doors to keep out evil spirits. They also brought Fir tree branches into their huts to give friendly spirits a place to keep warm during the winter months. The “evergreen” boughs were used because they are symbols of everlasting life. This practice was done near December 21st in celebration of the winter solstice. The solstice is celebrated because it is the longest night of the year and then the night length is reduced and the winter is coming to an end. The spring is coming. The rebirth of the earth is at hand. The use of “evergreen’ trees at Christmas has numerous legends.
In Virginia, we have over 4,600 acres being used to grow Christmas trees. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Virginia is #10 in the U.S. by the number of operations with Christmas trees and #7 by total trees harvested and total acreage.
Live Christmas trees have been brought into homes and decorated during the holiday season for hundreds of years.
So, as we are buying our personal Christmas tree, I hope many of you enjoyed learning a little history with the origin of the Christmas tree.
And, remember—Christmas trees are 100% biodegradable and recyclable!!!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!
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Thanks Doug for this interesting article. I have enjoyed learning from you for many years (since Forest Hill Ave, days!). Please keep sharing. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Richard,
Thank you for reading my blog and taking the time to send me this message. It means a lot to me. Take care, Doug Hensel