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LondonThe Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square will be decorated with lights on Thursday as part of a British tradition with roots in the Norwegian forest.
This tree is a symbol of friendship between London and oslo An annual event that highlights the history of the countries’ alliance.
Here’s how this tradition started:
symbol of thanksgiving
Relations between the two countries were formed during World War II. When Nazi Germany invaded norway In 1940, King Haakon VII and his government-in-exile fled to London. Much of Norway’s resistance work took place outside Britain.
BBCand its Norwegian counterpart NRKNews broadcast in Norwegian language from London. The reports were a vital lifeline for Norwegians, who listened in secret because of the Nazi radio ban.
As a symbol of its thanks, the Oslo city government instituted the Christmas Tree Gift in 1947, two years after the war ended.
The tree is always Norwegian spruce or Picea abies, which grows naturally in the Oslo forest. Some are usually selected as prospects five to 10 years ahead of time and receive extra care until final selection.
tree nickname
Nicknamed “Ever Oslo”, this year’s tree is about 20 meters (22 yards) tall and about 60 years old. It beat out two other trees named “Nordic Star” and “Fjord Fir” for the honor. The harvesting ceremony took place on 21 November.
After the tree was formally cut down on 21 November, it was loaded into a special cradle and taken to a port about 180 kilometers (112 mi) away, where it was washed to remove salt deposited on the roads.
From there, it traveled about 26 hours aboard a ship – which was kept below decks to protect it from salt water – to Immingham, about 239 kilometers (149 mi) north of Trafalgar Square in London. It continued by truck to the British capital.
A replacement tree will be planted in a forest outside Oslo.
light function
Promoted on social media as “Britain’s National Tree-sure”, the lighting ceremony signals the beginning of the countdown to Christmas in London and is traditionally held on the first Thursday of December.
The strings of lights hang vertically, following Norwegian tradition.
The tree will remain in the square until January 5, also known as the Twelfth Night of Christmas. It will then be taken down to be shredded and composted for mulch.