The Magic of Evergreens

Fir - Symbolizes Rising, Protection, Determination and Endurance

Gender: Masculine
Element:  Fire
Planet:  Saturn

Plants that remain green and vibrant in the bitter cold winter months, when all of the surrounding plant life is dormant, have always fascinated people. The Pinaceae family, which includes cedar, fir, pine and spruce, was hung on doors to protect families long before it was considered decorative. The plants were thought to have magical powers, and symbolized endurance and eternal life. The evergreens replaced the black chicken that had previously been used for protection.

At one time, in many different cultures, black chickens were revered for their powers of protection. In some areas, witches, feared all year long and not just at Halloween, were honor bound to count every feather before they entered a home.  They usually lost count, gave up, and found an unprotected home to enter. But there were disadvantages of using a hen. Even in the chill of winter, the chicken began to exude unpleasant odors, and wild animals were lured in, making the home owners uncomfortable. 

Fortunately, the idea of the magical evergreens, with their calming colors and numerous needles, caught on, and hanging evergreen branches on doors for the witches to count replaced the "poulet noir"! Other evergreens, such as holly, ivy, juniper, and mistletoe were added for their symbolism, as well as decorative berries in red, blue and white, and gorgeous variations in leaf shapes and shades of green. 

My first evergreen post will highlight the fir. It is estimated that there are about fifty species of fir in the world, including balsam, Fraser, and white. The Santa Lucia, or bristlecone fir, is thought to be the rarest tree in North America, and possibly the world! They are known for lifting their branches high and their cones are at the top of the tree. The fir’s needles  are soft, flat, and singularly attached. Their needles stay attached longer than spruces or pines. This is one of the reasons they are considered the ideal Christmas tree. There are more. 

When Christianity arrived in northern Europe, and the legend of the Christmas tree became known, three angels, Faith, Hope and Charity were sent from the heavens to find the perfect tree!
The perfect tree was to be as 

• Great as Faith
• High as Hope 
• Sweet as Charity, and it was required to
• have a cross on every bough. 

The search ended when they found the fir tree!
They lighted it with stars and it became the first Christmas Tree!