Evergreen Tree at Christmas – How to Care for It

From the days of the druids, evergreens have been a symbol of immortality because of the simple fact that when all else was dying around them evergreens held onto their leaves and their colour. Because of this they were believed to be imbued with magical powers that could resist death. The druids used branches of evergreen for rituals around the time of the winter solstice. Before Christianity people brought evergreen branches into their homes to ward off evil spirits.

The Origin of the Christmas Tree

There is some doubt as to the precise origin of the Christmas tree but it is generally accepted that the tradition began in Germany. Some say it began with St. Boniface when in 722 he came upon a pagan sacrifice of a child who was about to be killed at the base of an oak tree. The monk cut down the tree but in its place a fir tree grew. He decreed the tree, with its branches pointing toward heaven, to be a holy tree and it became symbolic of the Christ child and the promise of eternal life.

The First Recorded Decorated Christmas Tree was a Holly Tree

In the 1500s in Germany, trees were decorated with apples and nuts and paper roses and ornaments in the shape of stars and angels, and hearts and bells symbolizing the star and the new-born Christ child. The tradition of gift giving may stem from the ornaments that were hung on the tree from dolls to drums and ribbon and lace. In keeping with the symbolism of death and rebirth and darkness and light, eventually candles began to appear on trees as a sign of the sun returning after the winter solstice and also as a sign of Christ and the light of the world.

Martin Luther and the Candle-lit Tree – Christmas Eve 1500

However, another myth credits monk and church reformer, Martin Luther, with the candle-lit tree, who, when returning home one winter’s night (legend has it that it was Christmas Eve in 1500), was stunned by the stars alight in the sky above the trees. In order for his family to understand his excitement he is said to have cut down a fir tree, brought it home and placed upon it candles, representing stars.

Today’s Christmas Trees are Usually Spruce or Noble Fir

The modern Christmas tree, usually a type of spruce, is pre-cut and unless a potted tree is bought to be planted out later, it will already begin to dry out by the time it is stacked on the roof of the car. (Noble Fir trees don’t shed nearly as much.) Unfortunately so many trees are cut down long before Christmas and are not quite fresh. A good test to determine the freshness of the tree is to rub fingers along one of the branches and see how easily the needles come away.

Keeping a Christmas tree looking fresh and festive requires some forethought and afterthought. Here are a few tips on how to care for it and how to get the best from it.

• The most important thing to do is keep the tree watered.
• Cool temperatures will also help cut back on needle loss.
• Let it sit in a bucket of water outdoors or in a cool place inside for a while.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight and sources of heat like heaters, stoves or appliances.
• Make a fresh cut at the bottom at least 1 inch above the original cut. A smooth, clean cut will help the tree absorb water more readily. Then fill the reservoir with lukewarm water.
• In a heated room, a tree can absorb up to a quart of water a day. Refill the reservoir often.