Tree Dressing Day

Tree Dressing Day around the world

Alexander, Jason, the Jesse Tree, the Meavy Oak

Alexander, explorer and conqueror of ancient times, found a talking tree, with the heads of animals and people growing in its branches, which rebuked him for his ambition and forewarned him of his death far from home. 

In Greek myth, the Golden Fleece dressed the Sacred Oak on Colchis, before it was stolen away by Jason. This story probably has its origin in the local activity of searching for gold in nearby streams by laying a fleece in the flowing water to collect the fine grains of gold.   

The Jesse Tree, often seen in stained glass windows of Christian churches depicts the 'family Tree' of Christ. The sun can represent creation, an apple the fall, a dove the flood, a burning bush for Moses, an angel for the annunciation, a temple for Solomon, a fish for Christ and all adorning a tree which springs from the loins of Jesse. 

There are may instances of dancing in honour of trees. The top of the Meavy Oak in Devon, was kept clipped flat, and at festival time a platform would be installed there with tables and chairs for a dance and feast. 

Shahabad, Pakistan, Africa, Mexico