The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It marks an important turning point - the return of more daylight, longer days, and the promise of spring.
For centuries, people around the world have celebrated the Winter Solstice with traditions that honor nature. Trees have played a central role in these celebrations, each species carrying its own unique significance.
In this article, we’ll explore ten trees that have shaped Midwinter traditions worldwide and how they represent renewal and hope for the coming year.
Photo: Getty images
Pines
During the darkest and coldest winter months, pine trees and other conifer evergreens such as spruce, fir, juniper and spruce have long been revered in Midwinter celebrations, prized for their verdant winter color and festive aromatic fragrances. But of all the conifers, perhaps the mighty and majestic pine reigns supreme as a towering emblem symbolizing strength, endurance and renewal. 1
Decorating homes with pine branches and boughs for the winter solstice is an ancient tradition symbolizing everlasting life, hope, and the sun's eventual return. As evergreens stayed green when other plants died, these decorations would remind people of spring's coming promise of returning daylight. Bringing evergreen boughs inside homes was thought to protect them during winter, ensuring families of the return of spring.2 Ancient cultures like Celts, Norse, and Romans decorated homes with evergreens during the darkest days to welcome the rebirth of nature, a practice that later blended with Christmas traditions. 3
Pine trees, with their evergreen needles and cones, are powerful symbols of longevity, and have long been viewed as steadfast testimonials to life and spirit. Many pine species are known for their exceptional longevity, especially the Great Basin bristlecone pine, which holds records as one of the world's oldest living organisms, with individuals exceeding ages of 5,000 years. 4 Many of these long-lived trees are associated with a fire-linked ecology, and pine species worldwide are revered for their wildfire resistance and their ability to reseed after a fire. 5 It's not surprising that throughout the world, from American indigenous peoples 6, to the ancient Romans7 pine trees have been revered as sacred symbols of eternity, offering the promise of renewal and the continuity of life through the year’s darkest months. 8
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Birch
Birch trees symbolize renewal, adaptability, and purification across various traditions, especially in northern Europe, Scotland, and Scandinavia. As a pioneer species, birches were among the first trees to emerge throughout these regions in areas deforested by fire or glacial ice, and historically birch trees were revered as symbols of renewal signaling the return and promise of light - and life - after the shortest days of midwinter. In fact, because of its strength and resilience, the silver birch is the national tree species of Finland and carries great importance to many Finnish cultural traditions. 9
The birch yule log in Scandinavia
The word "Yule" comes from the Old Norse word ‘jól’,meaning “wheel," referring to the sun as it turns back from the shortest, darkest days of winter toward the lengthening days of spring. 10In Scandinavian countries, birch logs were often chosen for the Yule fire due to their association with resilience and new beginnings, welcoming the sun’s return after winter’s longest days in darkness. 11, 12
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Oak
Oaks are deeply tied to the Winter Solstice in ancient traditions, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and the return of light. Due to their immense size and long lifespans, oaks represented the sun, strength, and wisdom, and appeared alongside kings and gods in many ancient tales and myths. It’s said that Celtic Druids revered oak trees and burned oak logs in Midwinter to celebrate the victory of the Oak King who vanquished darkness and heralded the sun's rebirth. Incidentally, the name “Druid” - a term used to refer to ancient Celtic priests - derives from the Celtic word for ‘duir’, meaning oak. 13, 14
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Holly
Holly, with its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, has long been revered as a symbol of protection and eternal life in many cultures. During Saturnalia, the ancient Roman winter festival, holly was used to decorate homes and public spaces, representing good fortune and celebrating the promise of renewal that comes with the turning of the year. 15 In Ireland the ancient Celts connected holly trees with life, protection, strength, and regeneration, believing holly’s evergreen leaves and red berries made it sacred.
Holly sprigs were cut and brought inside to protect the home, catching evil spirits in its spiny leaves, and providing safe shelter for more benevolent spirits over the harsh winter. 16 And today placing a ring of holly on doors can trace its origins back to Ireland, as decorating a home with holly was believed to bring protection and good luck in the coming year. 17
Photo: Getty images
Yew
Yew trees are among the oldest living trees in Europe, with a lifespan of over 1,000 years. In English and European traditions, yews symbolize endurance, immortality, transformation, and the cycle of life and death.
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Boxwood
Boxwood, with its dense evergreen foliage, represents endurance, constancy, and resilience. In European winter traditions, boxwood was often used as a decorative element in wreaths and garlands, serving as a symbol of steadfastness through the cold months. Its adaptability and lasting greenery made it a favored choice for both sacred and festive decorations, representing hope and continuity as the year turns. 20, 21
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Laurel
Laurel is celebrated for its aromatic leaves and its storied role in ancient rituals and mythology. The evergreen nature of laurel foliage links it to themes of resilience and continual renewal, making it a cherished element in many festive Midwinter traditions. In classical Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths were awarded to victors and esteemed individuals, symbolizing triumph, honor, and protection. 22 In later Christian traditions, the laurel represents triumph over suffering and persecution. It is one of the traditional greens used to create Advent wreaths, whose circular shape and greenery represent the continuity of life. 23
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Pomegranate
In Midwinter households throughout Central Asia and the Middle East celebrate the winter solstice by eating dishes with pomegranate. This fruit is central to the Persian holiday, Yalda Night, a time when families traditionally gather to tell stories, feast and celebrate the coming of longer days and brighter futures. Yalda celebrates the birth of the Zoroastrian sun god Mithra and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, signifying the sun god’s victory over evil forces. 24, 25
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Yuzu
Yuzu, a citrus fruit native to East Asia, is prized not only for its unique tart flavor but also for its cultural significance in Japan. During the winter solstice, yuzu is traditionally used in hot baths known as "yuzuyu," believed to ward off colds, promote relaxation, and usher in good fortune for the coming year. This aromatic ritual highlights the fruit’s role in seasonal celebrations and the enduring importance of natural ingredients in wellness and festive customs. 26
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Bayberry
The history of bayberry and winter solstice is deeply intertwined, with bayberry candles being a symbol of hope, prosperity, and good luck during Midwinter. Bayberry candles, made from the wax-coated berries of the bayberry shrub, were used by early colonial settlers for their unique and practical wax, transforming candle-making practices into the colonies. Bayberry candles are well known for their spicy aroma and have become a cherished American holiday tradition, especially in New England.
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Our trees give us hope and promise
Our trees give us so much beauty, promise, and hope throughout the world and here at home. As we turn to a new year of possibilities, consider all the benefits and wonder that your trees provide to you and your family. This holiday season think about giving your trees the love and care they deserve in the coming year - with some TLC, or Tree Loving Care, from Monster Tree Service!