Oh Christmas Tree

Well you can say that I'm quite the slacker with my updates, but this doesn't mean that my adventures have taken a pause. Actually, today I took a trip around the world...well sort of. In lieu of all the expenses and hassles of holiday travels, I made a visit to a local garden and sculpture park. Fredrik Meijer Gardens is my new favorite place and I even became a member so that I can go regularly. My love for horticulture has increased and I find it fascinating. So with this, FMG just so happen to be celebrating the holiday season with a spectacular exhibit of Christmas tree traditions around the world. Displaying over 30 different trees and seeing many unique decorations got me really excited for Christmas!
For the next several days I am going to share with you some of the countries that I learned about and hopefully you too will learn something new. Perhaps some of your traditions reign from a certain culture that you didn't even know!
Seeing as how I am now a "Michigander" I will share some Michigan facts as well as the U.S. Christmas tree traditions.
Michigan is among the top Christmas tree producers in the nation and will harvest over 3 million trees this year! Some other facts to share with your friends and look like a real tree hugger to them is that it take 7-10 years to grow a 7 foot 'Christmas' tree.
-Fir trees are the top seller due to needle retention and fresh fragrance.
-live trees are 100% recyclable...whodda thought! =p

Many Christmas traditions have been adopted from numerous other countries here in the U.S. The Christmas tree tradition began in America in the early 1800's by German immigrants. Over time our decorations have been made simple..popcorn strings, candy canes and ball ornaments. Popular American Christmas characters such as Rudolph the red nosed reindeer and Frosty the snow man appear as common decor as well. Typically on the top of the tree, an angel is placed. The angel is a sign of peace.
Also, Santa Claus is that jolly man that every American child is fond of. Introduced from Holland in the 1800's, Santa arrives on the night of Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by reindeer where upon he leaves presents under the tree while everyone is asleep. Excited yet??

Now moving on to the more indigenous people of North America...American Indian. Some items typically hung from a Christmas tree would include a dream catcher. A native American tradition originating from the Ojibwa nation (formerly located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.) They are placed above the bed to protect sleeping children from nightmares. Another ornament is a drum. Indians believe that drums are the heartbeat of mother nature and all the people. It is said that people can connect with the spirit of the drums through a rhythmic pounding. One more trinket is trade beads. Shells, bones, seeds and nuts are also used to accent clothing...or in this case, a tree!
What do you put on the top of your Christmas tree?? Stayed tuned for more traditions around the world!
cheers!
Meijer Gardens