O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer’s here,
But also when ’tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!
(From the carol, ‘O Christmas Tree,’ Author unknown)
The annual tradition of putting up a evergreen fir tree in the house, richly adorned with festive decorations, baubles and lights, can be dated back hundreds of years. Although some would argue that the modern Christmas Tree began in the nineteenth century, the first person known to have brought a tree into the home was 16th century German preacher, Martin Luther.
Legend has it that one night he was walking in a forest when he looked up to see the stars shining through the branches. The sight was so beautiful that he told his children it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of heaven to come to earth at Christmas. There are other legends and stories of the origins of the Christmas Tree, including St Boniface of Crediton (Devon, England), who saved a young boy’s life from pagan tribes in Germany by cutting down the oak tree where the sacrifice would take place. A young fir tree grew in the roots, which St Boniface took to be a sign of the Christian faith. Another heartwarming story tells of a poor little boy who appeared on the doorstep of a forrester’s home, whose family welcomed him in, clothed, fed and sheltered him. The next morning they were awoken by a choir of angels and the little boy had turned into Jesus, the Christ Child. To show His gratitude for their hospitality and kindness, Jesus broke off a branch from a fir tree and gave it to the family. All these stories and more can be read here.
My experience with the Christmas Tree can probably be shared by many others and wouldn’t seem too unusual an encounter, each year myself and my family would source a real evergreen fir tree from a local garden centre. It has always been a fun festive occasion, with the excitement of finding our favourite tree and of course decorating it with lights and all the beautiful decorations that myself and my family have acquired over the years.
However this year, we decided to take a break from this tradition and instead harvested our very own Scots Pine tree from the Surrey Hills. I only recently discovered that The National Trust have an incredible initiative at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl, where you can find and cut down your own tree to take home. All you need is your own saw and a pair of tough gloves. Open only for a few hours over two weekends, it was very popular with families, with excited children (and big kids like myself) hunting for the prettiest tree to take home. The trees have been growing naturally in the woodland and in abundance; we found ours after half an hour of searching in the frosty winter wonderland for our perfect tree, a beautiful 9ft blue-green Scots Pine.
This is my watercolour illustration inspired by the beautiful surroundings:
The only truly native pine in the UK, the evergreen Scots Pine thrives in heathland and is widely planted for timber. However it can also be found growing in abundance in the Caledonian forest in the Scottish Highlands. It can grow to 35 metres and live for 700 years.
Hindhead Commons and The Devil’s Punch Bowl is worth the visit if you happen to be in the area. According to legend, the devil lived nearby and would torment Thor, the god of Thunder, who lived in Thursely, by leaping from hill to hill. Thor would strike the devil with thunder and lightning and once the devil retaliated by scooping up the earth and throwing it at Thor, leaving a depression now known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl. The National Trust café also provides some delicious food, the curried Leek and Sweet Potato soup with Mackerel topping was very welcome in the wintry weather.
Although the Christmas Tree has both pagan and Christian origins, Christians like myself see the tree as a symbol of the everlasting life with God. The famous carol, ‘O Christmas Tree’ immortalized the fir’s evergreen qualities as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness.
Here are the last few verses from the much loved carol to put you in the Christmas mood…
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There’s only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !
