Yesterday we went to Trafalgar Square in London to have a look at the Christmas tree there.
The chosen tree is over 65 feet tall, and is usually a Norwegian spruce. It comes from the forests around Oslo, and is between 50 and 60 years old. Great care is taken of the tree long before it is felled. The foresters who care for it refer to it as 'the queen of the forest.' The tree is felled in November at a special ceremony attended by the Mayor of Oslo, the Lord Mayor of Westminster (part of London) and the British Ambassador to Norway. The tree is then shipped to the UK.
Another ceremony takes place in England when the tree is lit. It becomes a focal point for carol singers, and each evening groups gather to raise funds for charities.
The tree is decorated in the traditional Norwegian way with vertical strings of lights. These days energy efficient bulbs are used.
Just before Twelfth Night the tree is taken down and chipped and composted.
Tracey, what a beautiful tree and the meaning behind it! Great outing for you guys!
ReplyDeleteThis is intersting. I like to read about this tree! Super-tree.
ReplyDeletehttp://showmeastorie.blogspot.nl/
My, that is an immensely lovely tree. So stately and elegant, I'm sure that the scent of such a mighty evergreen must have been positively wonderful (and soooo evocative of the season).
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Yes, the scent seems to fill the square; it is just perfect.
DeleteThat is a spectacular tree Tracey. It's the same kind of tree that is place in Rockefeller Square in NYC. It must be beautiful lit at night. I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteIt must be quite the picture at night! I love that in honour of the tree, they make a true ceremony of the affair.
ReplyDeleteI hope to go in and see it lit up at night, and to hear the carols.
DeleteHi Tracey, I like the meaning behind the gift of the tree. Thanks for sharing, I always enjoy your pictures.
ReplyDeleteDorothy
What a wonderful tradition Tracey. As a Canadian/British/Norwegian I am very proud right now.
ReplyDeleteLovely Day,
Sue
Sue, Canada House looks out over this tree.
DeleteTracey, I think it's a really wonderful tradition! Although the most of large Christmas trees are made from synthetic, I love the natural spruce and its smell.
ReplyDeleteNothing beats the scent of a real tree.
DeleteCan't wait to see it lighted! What a lovely tradition and sign of friendship between these two peoples! It doesn't get better than this - an act of sharing in history.
ReplyDeleteWow-that tree is amazing! What a neat tradition :)
ReplyDeleteSusan
how nice of norway
ReplyDeleteGood old Norway, I fell in love with Norway during the Winter Olympics of 1994 (I think that was the right year). Vertical lights, I like that.
ReplyDeleteWhat! No photos of the lions, come on now Tracey, you know I am craving me some English lions!
Interesting...
ReplyDeleteBest regards from Paris,
Pierre
That's a huge tree! I'll bet it's gorgeous when lit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a huge tree. Every year I say I am going to make the trip down to London to see all the lights etc., but then I just don't get the chance, or can't afford the expense! One year I WILL make it! xxoo
ReplyDeleteA poignant memorial to a difficult time. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteWill be in London next May. Maybe we could meet? Can hardly wait! Thanks for sharing as always! xxoo Nancy
ReplyDeleteI would love to meet, Nancy.
ReplyDeleteFabulous. Will work on it. I'll e-mail you after the holidays.
DeleteWe were just in New York City and fought the crowd to see the tree at Rockefella Square.
ReplyDeleteI saw the Christmas tree there several years ago; it was a very impressive sight.
DeleteGreat post Tracey! I think it is so interesting to see different takes on the holidays.
ReplyDelete