Hello friends,
I always loved trees and have talked to them like I would to my dear friends. In fact, they are my friends – intelligent, wise, resilient and steadfast. While following the Bardic grade course of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, I am learning that trees play a significant role in the path of Druidry. During our present yuletide, I thought it appropriate to sing this english version of the traditional German song, “O Tannenbaum”. You may know it as “Oh Christmas tree”. However, I have discovered a couple of interesting facts about this song today.
The composer, organist and teacher Ernst Anschütz from Leipzig, wrote the modern lyrics to O Tannenbaum in 1824, based on a 16th-century Silesian folk song by Melchior Franck. A Tannenbaum is a fir tree. Interestingly, Anschütz’s original lyrics neither mention Christmas nor refer to a decorated Christmas tree but describe the fir’s evergreen quality as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness. I thought this is rather beautiful.
The song did not become associated with the Christmas tree and sung as a Christmas carol until the middle of the 19th century.
Here is my version of it, sung in our garden next to a young fir tree. I would like to think that the tree sapling is somehow singing along with me.
Thanks for watching and reading! May you and your loved ones continue to experience the blessings of this festive season in all of its forms and experience much joy, peace, love, good health and rest.
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Peace, love and light,
Sarah x
Wayfaring Sarah 