December 19th marks a unique occasion, an occasion set right between the pre-Christmas bustle, and the anticipation of the holiday itself. This is the 'Look for an Evergreen Day'. While not as widely recognized as other December holidays, it remains a day that holds a special significance amid the wintry festivities.
Look for an Evergreen Day offers a moment of reflection. It prompts people to slow down and connect with the natural world in all its verdant splendor. The day is all about prompting people to appreciate nature, particularly embodied by the evergreen trees that remain thriving through the winter months.
Look for an Evergreen Day Origins and Symbolism
The precise origins of Look for an Evergreen Day are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been established by the National Arborist Association (now known as the Tree Care Industry Association). The day was created to celebrate the beauty of evergreen trees beyond their role as Christmas decorations. Evergreens, which include species such as spruces, pines, and firs, are known to maintain their verdant green foliage throughout the winter months.
Photo by Gustavo Fring
Historically, the use of evergreens in winter festivities predates Christianity. Evidence suggests their use in pagan winter solstice celebrations. These festivities often involved decorating homes and sacred spaces with evergreen branches to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune in the coming year. In many ancient societies, evergreens also represented immortality, resilience, and the everlasting power of life even in the face of winter's harshness. The vibrant green foliage, a stark contrast to the dormant wintry landscape, symbolized hope and the promise of spring's return.
Perhaps the best-known origin of the tradition of decorating evergreen trees for Christmas festivities dates back to 1510 in Riga, Latvia, where locals adorned trees with ornaments during winter celebrations. By the 18th century, this practice spread throughout Europe, leading to the modern Christmas tree tradition. Their harmonious connection to Christmas festivities is, however, undeniable.
As Christianity spread, evergreens became integral to Christmas traditions, symbolizing everlasting life and faith. Boughs of evergreens have become integral to Christmas celebrations for many years, adorning homes and churches as symbols of faith and the eternal life offered through Christ’s birth.
The Importance of Evergreens and the Look for an Evergreen Day
Evergreen trees, such as pines, spruces, and firs, are more than just festive decorations. They are essential components of the ecosystems. These trees provide habitats for countless species, contribute to carbon sequestration efforts, and help prevent soil erosion. Their ability to maintain foliage year-round makes them even more crucial for biodiversity.
Photo by Gustavo Fring
In addition to their ecological significance, evergreens hold cultural importance across different societies. For Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest, the red cedar tree was indispensable for making clothing, ropes, and even canoes. A deep-rooted connection to nature, therefore, emphasizes the need to recognize and celebrate these majestic trees.
It is for such reasons that the Look for an Evergreen Day urges people to have in mind these resilient green trees during the festivities. The day highlights the amazing ability of the evergreen trees to thrive even in the face of wintry adversity. Their continued vivacity during the winter months is a great representation of perseverance, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges.
Likewise, the act of seeking out an evergreen during this day encourages individuals to slow down, observe their surroundings, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. The current fast-paced lives mean taking time to connect with nature is crucial for people’s mental and emotional well-being. Finding an evergreen, whether in a forest, park, or even a potted plant, offers a moment of quiet contemplation and connection.
Look for an Evergreen Day, similarly, fits seamlessly into the festive season, adding another level of meaning to the Christmas celebrations. It provides an opportunity to connect with the deeper symbolism of evergreens in the festive season and their role in representing hope, optimism, and the spirit of life. This adds a reflective dimension to the often frenzied pace of the holiday season.
What is more, by focusing on evergreens, the day implicitly promotes environmental awareness and the importance of preserving the natural world. Evergreen forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, and celebrating these trees helps raise awareness about their significance. On the day, the simple deed of seeking out an evergreen can also encourage one to think about the importance of protecting these valuable ecosystems.
How to Observe Look for an Evergreen Day
Observing Look for an Evergreen Day is simple and can be done in many ways; whichever way one fancies. Perhaps the most straightforward way to observe the day is to embark on a search for an evergreen tree. Going for an evergreen hunt can be done as a family outing, a solo adventure, or a community event. One could, for instance, explore local parks, forests, or even their backyard, and appreciate the texture of the needles, the scent of the branches, and the general beauty of the tree.
Photo by Chris Briggs
Decorating with evergreens is also a great way to observe the day. One could, for example, bring the spirit of the day indoors by decorating their home with evergreen boughs, wreaths, or other festive arrangements. This is a beautiful way to incorporate the symbolism of evergreens into Christmas celebrations. The day, also, presents an opportunity to learn more about the different types of evergreen trees, their ecological significance, and their cultural importance. This can be a fun and educational activity for all ages.
Still, in the same way, one can use the day as a time for reflection. They could consider the challenges they have faced in the past year and how they overcame them. The resilience of the evergreen trees can be a great form of inspiration for one’s inner strength and perseverance. They could, likewise, share the spirit of Look for an Evergreen Day with friends and family. In this case, they could talk about the symbolism of evergreens, go on an evergreen hunt together, or simply share the joy of appreciating nature's beauty.
The day, also, presents an opportunity to engage in creative activities such as making evergreen wreaths, ornaments, or other crafts, or writing a blog, poem, or song to express appreciation for evergreens. Through these activities, one could express their appreciation of the beauty and resilience of evergreen trees, or find ways to incorporate their symbolism into a festive narrative. These are all fun ways to celebrate the day and get creative with natural materials.
The Festive Spirit of Look for an Evergreen Day
The Look for an Evergreen Day seamlessly blends into the festive atmosphere around Christmas. As families prepare for holiday celebrations, taking time to appreciate the natural beauty around them adds depth to the season's joy. The day urges one to remember that while decorations may adorn their homes, the true essence of the holidays lies in connection—both with loved ones and with nature.
Because in many cultures, evergreens symbolize eternal life—a theme that resonates deeply during the holiday season when people celebrate renewal and hope, recognizing Look for an Evergreen Day within this context cultivates a richer understanding of different floral traditions while nurturing a respect for the environment. Moreover—and perhaps most importantly—this observance, also, encourages people to slow down, take a pause, and reflect in the middle of the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations.
That said, the act of "looking for an evergreen" on December 19th, could be interpreted as a symbolic search for hope, resilience, and the everlasting spirit of nature during a time of year when much of the natural world appears dormant; a mindful act encouraging people to connect with the natural world and appreciate its subtle beauty even amid the chill of winter.
This connection to nature is particularly important in the modern world, where many people are increasingly disconnected from their natural surroundings. So, step out there and look for an evergreen. It will enhance your Christmas season festivities experience.
Feature image by Sam Divita, header image by Gustavo Fring.
