The last month of the year is special in many ways. As the month comes to a close, it heralds the arrival of the festive season, a time to celebrate with near and dear ones.
It is also the time to witness changes in our environment. Currently, it is the winter season in Goa. While the region doesn't experience cold weather, the days are pleasantly mild, with misty mornings and the occasional cool breeze in the afternoons.
This is the time of the year when plants and trees shed their leaves and await the spring season. However, there are some trees which are evergreen, and thus, have a special relevance at this time of the year. Among them are the various species of pine trees.
It was believed that pine trees were used to celebrate winter festivals as they symbolised fertility and new life.
There are some trees which are evergreen, and thus, have a special relevance at this time of the year. Among them are the various species of pine trees.
Decorating trees during the winter months, especially pine trees, is found in many civilisations including the Yalda festival of Iran, which is celebrated during the winter solstice.
This practice is also seen during the Christmas festival when people decorate Christmas trees or Cook’s pine (Araucaria columnaris). The triangular shape of the tree top is associated with the Holy Trinity.
The tree is commonly found outside chapels, churches and even in home gardens. A classic example of this tree can be seen right outside the Se Cathedral in Old Goa, where currently, the 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier is being held.
This tree was first classified by botanists during Captain James Cook’s second voyage of exploration in the 18th century. It is native to New Caledonia, a group of islands in the South Pacific.
The pine tree can grow up to a height of 60 metres in its natural habitat. While its young leaves are needle-like, growing horizontally and reaching considerable lengths, the tree features a slender, spire-like crown.
It is grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and public landscapes, and this particular species does well in warm temperate climates.
One peculiar characteristics of this tree is that it rarely grows straight and generally tilts in one direction.
One peculiar characteristics of this tree is that it rarely grows straight and generally tilts in one direction.
A 2017 study found that the trees tend to have a tilt dependent on the hemisphere of their location, growing upright in the Equator, but leaning south in the northern hemisphere, and north in the southern hemisphere.
This pine should not be confused with the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), which closely resembles it but grows upright with branches that point upwards. The Norfolk Island pine is also commonly used for decoration during Christmas.
While such Christmas trees are not rooted in religious traditions, they have become an integral part of many cultures, countries and, most importantly, homes around the world.
The tree brings people and communities together to celebrate, sing, exchange gifts, love, and happiness. That’s the true meaning of any festival that goes beyond the boundaries of religion and customs.
So, this coming festive season, plant a Christmas tree in your garden and witness the magic!