Tis the Season to be Green

It's always nice to put the present on hold, and travel through history to catch a glimpse of the various practices that have evolved into the traditions we now treasure. Today, Christmas trees are viewed as a key symbol of the holiday season, and for many, the celebration is incomplete without the traditional practice of selecting and decorating a tree. In the past, these trees, which are traditionally known as “evergreens”, were viewed as symbols of life's abundant treasures. As we all know, the winter solstice marks the shortest day of light in the Northern Hemisphere. Ancient Egyptians, and early Romans cherished the evergreen trees, because they served as a contrast to the concept of darkness associated with the solstice. The perpetual “greeness” of the trees symbolized many things, including the triumph of life over death, as well as the promise of abundance and wealth in agriculture.

If we consider the true “green” nature of evergreens, and the method by which they thrive, the story of the Christmas tree becomes even more interesting. Have you ever wondered exactly why these trees continue to flourish, while other trees cease to thrive until the weather warms up? Evergreen trees are unique in the sense that they possess “adaptability”, a characteristic that allows them to thrive despite unfavorable conditions present in the environment. The prickly, needle-like parts of the tree are leaves that have been rolled up very tightly, a practice that allows the tree to conserve water. The wax-like substance that coats the needles of the evergreen tree is used to conserve water throughout the various seasons. The evergreen tree is proof that living things have an innate ability to conserve resources, and become sustainable. Let's take direction from the Egyptians and Romans, and celebrate the abundance and sustainability of life around us.