Trafalgar Square Christmas tree

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a Christmas tree gifted to the people of Britain by Norway each year since 1947.[1] The tree is prominently displayed in Trafalgar Square from the beginning of December until 6 January.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree in 2008

History
The tree in the square in 2006

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been an annual gift to the people of Britain from Norway as a token of gratitude for British support to Norway during the Second World War. The first tree was cut down by Mons Urangsvåg in 1942 during a raid on the Norwegian island called Hisøy. Hisøy Island is located on the west coast between Bergen and Haugesund. After it was cut down, the tree was then transported to England where the Norwegian King was in exile, and given to him as a gift. It is possible to visit the island of Hisøy but only by boat, and from the old tree stump, a new tree has since grown.[2]

The tree has provided a central focus for the Trafalgar Square traditional carol-singing programme, performed by different groups raising money for voluntary or charitable organisations.

The tree remains until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling. The tree is chipped and composted, to make mulch.[3]

Tree

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is typically a 50- to 60-year-old Norway spruce, generally over 20 metres tall.[3] The tree is cut in Norway sometime in November during a ceremony attended by the British Ambassador to Norway, Mayor of Oslo, and Lord Mayor of Westminster.[3] After the tree is cut, it is shipped to the UK by boat across the sea.[3] At one time it was shipped to Felixstowe free of charge by a cargo ship of the Fred Olsen Line.[1] As of at least 2007, the tree was shipped across the North Sea to Immingham by DFDS Tor Line.[4] As of 2018, it has been the responsibility of Radius Group, to transport, guard and erect the tree in Trafalgar Square.

The Trafalgar Square tree is decorated in a traditional Norwegian style and adorned with 500 white lights.[5] In 2008, the tree utilised low-wattage halogen bulbs which used 3.5 kW of power.[5]

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.[4] The ceremony, led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, includes a band and choir followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights.[4]

Lewisham Choral Society singing carols in December 2010

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.[3]

Since 2009, the Poetry Society has commissioned new poems annually for display on banners around the base of the tree. In 2010, schoolchildren also performed one of the poems at the lighting-up ceremony.[6]

References
  1. Baker, Margaret. Discovering Christmas Customs and Folklore: A Guide to Seasonal Rites, (Google Books), Osprey Publishing, 1992, p. 50,(ISBN 0747801754).
  2. Solholm, Rolleiv (7 December 2013). "Norway's Christmas tree lights up Trafalgar Square". The Norway Post. NRK. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  3. "Christmas in Trafalgar Square Archived 16 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine", Greater London Assembly, official site, 2008, accessed 26 March 2009.
  4. Strange, Hannah. "The Trafalgar Christmas Tree" The Times, (London), 6 December 2007, accessed 26 March 2009.
  5. "Trafalgar Square Christmas tree marks the start of Christmas in Westminster", City of Westminster, 8 December 2008, accessed 26 March 2009.
  6. "Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree - Wrapped in Poetry". The Poetry Society. 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2010.

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