THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 250, 16 December 1940, Page 6

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

HISTORY OF ITS TRADITIONAL ORIGIN The origin, of the Christmas tree dates so far back that its true beginning as a Christmas symbol is obscure. It is more or less generally assumed, hoAvever,, that it originated from the legend of St. Boniface, that heroic early missionary, Avho chopped doAA'n a sacred giant oak to demonstrate to his challengers how little poAver their much-feared iighlninggod really possessed., Whether this legend has any basis in fact is questionable; because the same Germans to whom St. Boniface Avent as mission an', Avorshipped the evergreen trees to just as great an extent as they AA'orshipped the oak; and there is good evidence to slioav that the3 r used-both holly and mistletoe in decorating their halls for feasts. Actually there were Christmas trees before there Avas Christmas. Throughout the northern hemisphere Avhere Christmas trees are fa\ T oured to a much greater extent than in our southern climes, are the shortneedled spruces and firs. These t-Wo species, from which the general term of "Christmas Tree" takes its name, are similar in appearance, though easily distinguishable. The first has flattish, soft, curved needles, and their cones stand up. The second has stiff, prickly cones, which hang doAvn. And when neither of these species is available, an3 r sort of eA*ergreen is privileged to be used as a "Christmas Tree." Keeping Them Green. If you had a Christmas Tree last year, 3 r ou may remember how green and stately it looked A\ r hen first you bought it; and lioaa l- soon it withered and became dull. This year chemists have made it possible for you to have a solution Avhicli Avill preserve your cut tree, for the full week, in its original green and fragrant condition. Yon can thank Dr. R, H. Carr, of Purdue University, a professor of agricultural chemistry, for the folloAving | directions:- —

Go to your chemist and buy 15 grams of calcium carbonate, 5 grams of citric acid and 6 grams of malic acid. Mix the last two, Avhich are both liquids, in three quarts of water. Save the calcium carbonate until you are ready to set up your tree. Set the base of the Christmas tree in a wide earthenware jar, and brace it securely with wire. Then mix the acid solution and pour it all into the calcium carbonate iri the citric-malic jar. As the trees drink up the solution, add more water, and you cannot lai 1 to' be agreeably surprised how long your ■cherished Christmas tree will retain its original splendour.'