I am one of those who loves the tradition of a fresh tree for the holiday season. Growing up in Montana as nature and land lovers and typical hunter-gatherer people, the quest for a family tree, and its resources, was respectable and serious.
The cold winters were placid and the deep, isolating freeze often left us indoors at the edge, and mercy, of the wood-burning oven where we were curiously engrossed and hushed by the blaze of fire. A fascinating juxtaposition between the wild dance of flame surrounded by the tame stillness of glacier temperatures. You could find us with chubby red-noses pressed to the chilling window as we watched snow fall into a thick ovalbumin-like blanket offering hidden winter fertility to the land that would rise with wildflowers come May. Or we’d be patiently hovering over long hours of Solitaire, Go Fish, Poker, clumsily knitted pot and plant holders, and the stories of Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and of course, Where the Red Fern Grows. I am certain winter has always been a great teacher of simplicity and slowing down with longanimity and contemplation.
Then came the day the freshly cut tree arrived. A glorious break to the monotony of being indoors with little outside time, (despite an occasional brave sledding adventure, snow- ball fight or creative construction of people made of snow). You could smell the Noble tree permeate the halls, walls and stairs as the magnificent new family member made their way to the center of the home where they would be adorned, honored and cared for with admiration and awe.
To this day I carry the love of all trees with unexplainable intrigue and inviting one into my home for this season is a magnificent gift. It feeds my nostalgic heart and it carries on a simple tradition that is not about gifts or busy obligation, but rather establishing an atmosphere of quiet, simple connection under the spell of earthy, pine air. Whether curling up next to the Great Green with warm teas and good books or darkening the room with only the strands of white lights wrapping around her full body casting a twilight that invites late night conversations and a healing sleep, she provides an experience that is rare and magical and captures the essence of honoring nature in a time when we are so pulled from it.
My environmental heart, however, struggles with living trees being harvested in such mass quantities and then being so quickly discarded at the break of the holiday. The Lorax is taunting me in my ear. It is painful to be torn between what was and what is, tradition and sustainable living. In order to pacify my eco-self and honor the gifts of Earth Mother, I make certain to not take this beloved tree for granted and I make certain to learn from her and honor her in the most respectable ways. Every year we give the gift of planting a tree for each member of the family.
There is the literal sense of learning applied to my Christmas tree adventure. This consists of curious inquiry about what she is. For instance, conifers evolved about 300 million years ago and pines about 153 million years ago. Like most conifers, pines are evergreen: In other words, they retain their leaves throughout the year. Some species of pines (such as the bishop) need fire to regenerate (transformative heat to evolve, a see a theme in the universe!!). Pines are mostly monoecious meaning they have the male and female cones on the same tree (socially, we might think that ‘abnormal’, nature suggests otherwise). Pines have been inspiration for folk art among many cultures, have roots in religious text and story, ceremony and ritual, and inspired writes such as John Muir and Theodore Winthrop. They have been used for teas, tinctures and medicines. A Christmas pine at 6 feet tall has approximately (and it is approximate as the formulaic variables are quite complicated) 55,927,176needles!
55,927,176needles! On one tree?! Think about how many pine needles in a forest. Think about the fact that is just one species! The extraordinary detail and precision of nature is almost unexplainable, insensible, there is such a mystery and majesty in the laws of creation…an omnipresence that no science can ever capture.
Then there is the metaphorical and intuitive process of learning from the tree. This knowingcomes from beingwith her, listening, touching, smelling, and observing her attributes. I believe my mother showed me early on how to listen to the subtleties of the natural world. I have been enjoying the quiet process of collecting pine needles from our Christmas tree. One branch at a time, for hours and days and likely weeks on end. I lose myself in her bountiful and delightful intricacies. Symbolically, pines are spiritually significant in a plethora of gifts from attracting prosperity to healing from guilt. They are said to represent peace, fertility, longevity and wisdom. I like to extract nuggets of wisdom from my own process of relating to the tree. I have been most enamored with the needles and their scent. Their ability to protect and refresh is an interesting combination and one that I have taken into the application of my personal life.
What are areas in my life that need more, or less, protecting?
– Often times we bring old defensive patterns into current life that are no longer applicable. What are old ways of protecting that are really preventing opportunities?
– Often times we don’t ‘protect’ enough because we are too accommodating, busy or worried about ‘shoulds.’
What are areas in my life that need more renewal and cleansing?
- Seems coincidental at the turn of the new year, no?
- How can I purify my senses to heal the root of my being? What are the most toxic elements of mind, body and behavior that are impeding my health or happiness?
- What will help renew my energy for growth?
When we intuitively connect and listen to nature, she shows us what we need to see in order to grow.
Growing up in a rural area we were taught that when we harvested land or animal, it was conducted with honor and respect and it was required to use allof the parts of the catch. No taking for granted, no sense of entitlement, no waste. It is my honest intention to carry on the ‘legacy’ of this tree through honoring her many forms rather than just throw her away. There are a multitude of ways to use pine. Do some research and learn what is most salient to you. Here are just a few simple things I intend to do:
- Gather pines and steep in boiling water to make a tea.Pines are high in Vitamin A (eyes, hair, skin and red blood cell production) and antioxidants. It is great for coughs and congestion.
- Place needles in a warm foot soak. A great antiseptic for cleansing bacteria and a foot sores.
- Because of its natural antibacterial properties, it is a great household cleaner and disinfectant complimentary to vinegar.
- Pines are great for mulch.
- Great fire starters and keepers.
- When the trunk is dried, use a during ceremonies of protection and purification.
- Use the branches and twigs to make nature art, alter pieces and wands (yes, wands….sweet little sticks that cast visions and dreams, protection and direction).
- Gather sap for salve and natural glue.
As you can see, a Christmas tree is not just a tree (nor any tree, for that matter). It is a practice, a process, a dedicated connection to an ancient and wise Relation and a peaceof meaning-making that has many degrees of interpretation and inspiration.
May this story be a gentle reminder to take the time to connect with the sacred as it communicates through the mystery of the natural world. May we be more conscious and deliberate in our thoughts, actions and intentions with things that are so easily overlooked and under explored. May we create new traditions with personalized meaning in all seasons, celebrating all aspects of life.
Blessings, Aho, Namaste.
Robin
