The Christmas tree that stands in Trafalgar square every is the traditional Christmas gift to the people of Britain
Every
year since 1947 the city of Oslo in Norway has presented the city of
Westminster, London with a Christmas tree.
The
first tree was a token of Norwegian appreciation of British friendship and
support during the Second World War.
After
the German forces invaded Norway in 1940, king Haakon vii was helped to escape
Britain and a Norwegian government in exile was set up in London.
To
the Norwegian people, London came to represent the spirit of freedom as during
the dark days of occupation.
It
was from London that the latest news was broadcast in Norwegian.
Also,
there were concealed messages for resistance groups were also broadcast at the
same time.
The
radio transmissions became a lifeline for the Norwegian people.
The
tree is a powerful symbol of the close and warm relationship between the
peoples of Britain and Norway.
The
Norwegians are as proud to present their token of friendship as are the people
of Britain to receive it.
The
tree is a Norwegian spruce and is chosen from the forests surrounding Oslo with
great care.
A
particular tree can be earmarked for Trafalgar square for anything from several
months to a couple of years in advance.
The
tree is usually 70 ft. tall and in the region of 50 years old.
The
Norwegian foresters responsible for its care describe it fondly as 'the queen
of the forest'.
The
tree is felled one day in November in the presence of the British ambassador to
Norway and the mayors of Oslo and Westminster they even take active part in the
felling.
As
part of the ceremony local schoolchildren sing Christmas carols and 'forest
coffee' and sandwiches are served.
The
tree is then shipped across the North Sea to England and then by special
transport to Trafalgar square.
The
operation to erect the tree takes several hours a scaffolding tower is erected
so the tree can be winched upright.
The
base of the tree’s trunk is pushed four feet into the ground and it is then
secured with a dozen’s of wooden wedges.
With
no other form of support the tree stands unsupported again as it did in the
forest.
The
lighting ceremony takes place in the dusky early evening of the first Thursday
in December.
A
band play’s loudly and a choir sings Christmas carols as the mayor of
Westminster arrives with other officials in his party.
Then
after due ceremony and a flick of a switch the Christmas tree comes alive, in
line with Norwegian tradition all the lights are white; the tree turns into a
twinkling mass of white lights.
Carols
are sung by the choir of nearby St martin-in-the-fields, and carol concerts are
held in the square.
A
crib is provided by the vicar of St. Martin-in-the-fields and it is placed on
the west side of the square.
The
passing public may stop on their way home from work and join the carol singers
every night until Christmas.
