Tannenbaum is often equated with Christmas tree. Fir is best for the holidays. Its branches have flat soft foliage, it's easy to hang ornaments. Needles don't shed when they dry out, but cling to branches with natural suction cups.
If at the market looking for a Yule tree or Christmas tree, one way to tell which is fir is to take a needle and roll it between finger and thumb. If it rolls easily it's pine or spruce. If it's flat and doesn't roll well, it's fir (Douglas fir isn't a real fir tree).
In German Tannenbaum is fir tree, and Christmas tree is Weinachtsbaum, or Tree of the Consecrated Night(s). In the US, Fir Tree Appreciation Day is June 18, close to the Spring Equinox.
The song O Tannenbaum, a favorite Christmas tune, is an ode to the everlasting greenery of the fir tree. Balsam is originally native to North America, silver fir to Europe.
The common English name fir originates with the Old Norse, fyri, or the Old Danish, fyr. Fir trees are often found on north-facing slopes. The tops are neat cone shapes, unlike spruce and pine which have scraggly tops.
The preferred trees for scent and evergreen charm are the balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and silver fir (Abies amabilis). Fresh woodsy scents lift mood and harmonize thoughts. Tree tannins have antibacterial properties to combat bad smells such as body odor.
In folk medicine, fir oil as aromatherapy or rub can be used to treat
respiratory infections
sore throat
fatigue
arthritis
feelings of stress
The buds, resin, and/or sap are used in folk remedies for treating cancers, corns, and warts. In sachets, fir is said to bring peaceful dreams. The spiritual meaning of fir includes determination, honesty, endurance, joy and hope.
Unlike pine trees, firs don't drop their cones. Cones usually grow in the upper third of the tree. They stand upright like candles. Instead of falling the cones disintegrate and the seeds are blown away by the wind, if not eaten by squirrels.
The spirit of Yule inspires celebration throughout the land. The custom of bringing evergreen branches into the home is ancient. Evergreens symbolize the continuance of life. Branches are decorated with fruit, candy, small gifts and ornaments.
People tie ribbons or bits of cloth to the branches to represent wishes. Candy canes as decorations and treats first appear in the 17th century in Cologne, Germany.
Greenery such as holly may come from the Roman tradition of Saturnalia Dec 17-23 and the Day of the Unconquered Sun (Sol Invictus) Dec 25, or pagan Germanic traditions. Romans celebrate the return of the sun a few days after solstice when longer days are noticeable.
While wreaths aren't officially part of seasonal festivities until the 16th century, the wreath in pagan times incorporates the energy of the circle, symbolizes the wheel and cycles of life, and acts as a containing vessel for positive energy.
Fir wood decays quickly and infuses the earth with nutrients. It's a fertile bed for soil-enriching fungi including oyster mushrooms. The wood's too soft to make good timber. Like cedar, fir wood can be used to freshen closets. It's good starter wood for bonfires.
Fir wood has freshening and insect repellent properties. It's thought to be effective against the black-legged tick which causes Lyme disease.
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