Trees Included in Winter Solstice Celebrations
The winter Solstice is on or around December 21st each year and marks the official start of winter. A variety of trees have been used to celebrate this change of seasons.
Oak trees representing strength, protection and endurance were typically used for the solstice bonfires. The Saxons and Celts often used the entire trunk of an oak tree and kept it burning for 12 hours on the eve of the solstice. If the fire stayed lit during this period, they believed the household would be protected and have an abundant harvest and good health.
Several cultures believed evergreens symbolized immortality, protection and future prosperity. They made wreaths and decorated their homes with boughs of fir, cedar, and pine.
Small gifts for the gods of the sun, earth and harvest were hung in pine trees. Some believe this evolved into the tradition of decorating evergreen trees for Christmas.
A bit more information: Yews, symbolizing death and the last day of the solar year, as well as the silver fir, symbolizing winter solstice and rebirth, and the birch representing new beginnings were also part of the solstice celebrations of the past.
Related
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More