by Hattie Dyck
As we grow older and we’ve seen a lot of years and other things slip by us we tend to focus our attention on the little things that life brings us, and pay less attention to the so called bigger wants such as travel and material stuff that seemed so important when we were young.
Here in Nova Scotia we have so much beauty in our environment that we can be proud to live here. With Christmas just around the corner it’s quickly becoming time to think of trees, a whole subject in itself.
One day a few years ago I was shopping at Lowland Gardens at Great Village and
purchased a plaque featuring the TREE OF LIFE. It made me think about how
necessary the lowly tree is to our everyday lives. In my research for this column I’ve
learned that the Tree of Life holds a special meaning for all of us as trees are necessary
to give us the ability to breathe. Although it is possible to acquire oxygen by other
means we can mainly thank trees for this necessity of life. Those of us who adhere to
the Christian belief, associate trees with Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. It is
written that when God put this pair of humans on earth he also planted a tree so His
wishes for both humanity and their need for existence would be fulfilled.
Years ago we handmade many decorations for the Christmas tree. And even today we still make or buy delightful handmade sculptures from the many parts of the tree
including cones and branches. I remember my step-father bringing home spruce gum
which was a treat in those days. We used birch bark in a lot of school projects. I expect
it is still used in memory projects to some extent especially in the aboriginal
communities. Angela Sanford, the editor of this newspaper recalls the late Myrtle White, a Noel resident and teacher at Cobequid District School teaching the Grades 5 and 6 class how to find the age and diameter of some of the large trees in the surrounding communities. And still today a 100 foot high pine tree graces her home. Generally, it has become a landmark in giving people directions as they wish to enter the village of Kennetcook.
The maple leaf is a symbol we are all proud of and it is found all around us.
I now see advertising by some funeral homes to plant a tree as a permanent memorial to the deceased. What a wonderful way to honor their memory as it is a permanent fixture rather than a bouquet that will be gone in a few days.
I hope as we prepare for the Christmas season we will remember the great value of the humble tree in our lives. And, if you have a special tree in yours please send us a note and tell us about it.
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