We are approaching the darkest days of the year. The winter solstice, historically celebrated by pagans and Christians when darkness descends on us. We decorate with vibrant Christmas colors and the smell of evergreens trees and green wreaths fills the home. It’s a lovely way to bring more cheer inside while waiting for the sun’s return.
I like the idea of a tree planting ceremony at a wedding. The bride and groom together fills a pot with soil from some place meaningful to each of them. It can then be planted at their home to mark the beginning of a new life together.
Trees can be planted to celebrate the birth of a baby or adoption. Wonderful way to watch them grow together and someday the child can climb and hide under the canopy of foliage on thick branches.
To commemorate the death of a pet or our loved ones. Sprinkling their ashes in the soil of a sapling bought just for the them. Maybe they were fond of certain kind of tree or one that has significant meaning to you. Burying a beloved pet under a tree, children get a chance to say goodbye in their own way. They can create their own ritual, especially if this was the first death they had experienced.
If you don’t have space to plant, there are places like the Guelph Arboretum where you can have a specific tree dedicated with an engraved plaque. A bit more costly than a funeral home like Wall-Custance in Guelph. They have a memorial forest project at the arboretum and donations can made in honor of your friends and loved ones, with a group ceremony planting in spring-fall. So many wonderful possibilities to explore.
I’m going out today to refill my bird feeder that hangs on an old maple tree. I love to see the hungry chickadees, nuthatches and the little woodpecker who come to visit this time of year. I want to cut cedar to make a door wreath on this gloomy day to bring in some holiday happiness. Without trees, the landscape would be dull indeed.
Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life. Albert Einstein
Happy holidays and abundant blessings in the new year to come.
Rev Trina
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