Trafalgar Square Christmas tree
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is the name for the famous[1] Christmas trees donated to the city of London by the city of Oslo each year since 1947. The tree is prominently displayed in Trafalgar Square during the Christmas season.
History
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been given to the people of London by the people of Oslo since 1947. The tree is meant as a token of gratitude for British support of Norway during World War II.[2]
Tree
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is typically a 50- to 60-year-old Norway spruce, generally over 20 metres tall.[2] The tree is cut sometime in November during a ceremony attended by the British Ambassador to Norway, Mayor of Oslo, and the Lord Mayor of Westminster.[2] After the tree is cut it is shipped to Great Britain by sea.[2] At one time it was shipped to Felixstowe free of charge by a cargo ship of the Fred Olson Line.[1] As of at least 2007 the tree was shipped across the North Sea to Immingham by DFDS Tor Line.[3]
The Trafalgar Square tree is decorated in a traditional Norwegian style and adorned with 500 white lights.[4] In 2008, the tree utilized low-wattage halogen bulbs which used 15 amps (3.5 kW) of power.[4]
At the base of the tree stands a plaque, bearing the words:
This tree is given by the city of Oslo as a token of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their assistance during the years 1940-45.
A tree has been given annually since 1947.
Lighting ceremony and carolling
The tree lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square takes place on the first Thursday in December and is attended by thousands of people.[3] The ceremony, led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, includes a band and choir followed by the lighting of the tree with the flick of a switch.[3]
Traditionally, the tree provides a focal point for Christmas carolling groups.[1] For many in London, the tree and the accompanying carolling signals the countdown to Christmas.[2]
References
- ^ a b c Baker, Margaret. Discovering Christmas Customs and Folklore: A Guide to Seasonal Rites, (Google Books), Osprey Publishing, 1992, p. 50,(ISBN 0747801754).
- ^ a b c d e "Christmas in Trafalgar Square", City of London, official site, 2008, accessed March 26, 2009.
- ^ a b c Strange, Hannah. "The Trafalgar Christmas Tree" The Times, (London), December 6, 2007, accessed March 26, 2009.
- ^ a b "Trafalgar Square Christmas tree marks the start of Christmas in Westminster", City of Westminster, December 8, 2008, accessed March 26, 2009.
