Nature on our doorsteps: Decorating trees outdoors

Our early ancestors revered trees and saw them not only as a useful source of building materials and autumn fruit, but also as sacred things to be respected.

The letters of our Ogham alphabet were drawn from the first letter of the names of selected trees, while special trees marked locations where chieftains and kings were crowned.

Trees growing beside springs were particularly powerful.

When Christianity replaced those earlier cultures, these springs and trees became the sites of holy wells which were re-dedicated to Christian saints.

The water at these wells was believed to offer relief from a range of medical problems.

Ash or Hawthorn trees at holy wells were decorated with offerings by those looking for a cure or by those giving thanks.

Plastic decorations can be harmful to wildlife

As these offerings took the form of a small piece of cotton, wool, or linen, these trees were referred to as ‘rag trees’.

The offerings would eventually rot and fall away.

Today, a Christmas tradition is emerging where trees in parks, woods, and along mountain roads are decorated with shiny plastic baubles and tinsel.

While these can look very festive, they can attract wildlife who try to eat them.

Plastic is a choking hazard for wildlife, so it would be better for the environment and for wildlife if these decorations could be made from cardboard, wood, or pinecones.