Love Is Like A Tree….. GREEN!

By Angela Ash

“Life without love is like a tree without blossom and fruit.”

Khalil Gibran

A “Green Wedding”? What in the world is THAT? Does that mean that we use the color green? Is EVERYTHING green? Grrrr… that would look just awful with my blue eyes.

Well, don’t go and buy the new contacts just yet. Okay. Do we have any Days Of Our Lives fans here? (Don’t lie!) Samantha Brady had a “Green Wedding”, and no, it wasn’t because she is Irish.

A Green Wedding simply means that the happy couple will try to incorporate ideas, traditions, and plans into their wedding that are earth friendly. Often by beginning their new lives in this way, it is easier ten years down the road to remember to turn off the television when not in use, use recycled paper products, and to avoid watering the lawn every night when it is still green and fluffy.

As you prepare to engage in marriage, you will quickly find that many customs and rituals surround the events that lead up to the ceremony, the ceremony itself and all that follows it. Things ranging from stepping on a glass, throwing the bouquet and carrying the bride over the threshold are all things that our grandparents and great GREAT grandparents have done before us, and things that probably our grandchildren and GREAT grandchildren will do after us.

However, one custom that is often overlooked, but which I find to be one of the most beautiful, is the planting of a tree.

Many new couples are moving into a new home after their marriage, many are combining their two apartments, and some are simply adding a few new promises and coats of paint to the home and the love that they already share.

The planting of a tree symbolizes the beginning of your new life together, and illustrates your love taking root. Like a tree, your love will grow and flourish, as it is nourished.

Planting the tree in your own back yard is of course the ideal plan. However, if you do not have a yard, or do not have the room for another tree, ask if you can plant it at your parent’s home, or perhaps another location that is special to you.

You may simply plant a tree that you enjoy because of its cosmetic appearance, or perhaps for the shade or fruit that it will offer. However, if you wish to bring even more symbolism to the ritual, select a tree because it is the tree symbol for your birth date. My favorite tree is the weeping willow. Besides the fact that the tree is absolutely breathtaking, it also symbolizes “the dreamer”.

Dec 23 to Dec 31 Apple Tree

Jan 01 to Jan 11 Fir Tree

Jan 12 to Jan 24 Elm Tree

Jan 25 to Feb 03 Cypress Tree

Feb 04 to Feb 08 Poplar Tree

Feb 09 to Feb 18 Cedar Tree

Feb 19 to Feb 28 Pine Tree

Mar 01 to Mar 10 Weeping Willow Tree

Mar 11 to Mar 20 Lime Tree

Mar 21 Oak Tree

Mar 22 to Mar 31 Hazelnut Tree

Apr 01 to Apr 10 Rowan Tree

Apr 11 to Apr 20 Maple Tree

April 21 to April 30 Walnut

May 01 to May 14 Poplar Tree

May 15 to May 24 Chestnut Tree

May 25 to Jun 03 Ash Tree

Jun 04 to Jun 13 Hornbeam Tree

Jun 14 to Jun 23 Fig Tree

Jun 24 Birch Tree

Jun 25 to Jul 04 Apple Tree

Jul 05 to Jul 14 Fir Tree

Jul 15 to Jul 25 Elm Tree

Jul 26 to Aug 04 Cypress Tree

Aug 05 to Aug 13 Poplar Tree

Aug 14 to Aug 23 Cedar Tree

Aug 24 to Sep 02 Pine Tree

Sep 03 to Sep 12 Weeping Willow Tree

Sep 13 to Sep 22 Lime Tree

Sep 23 Olive Tree

Sep 24 to Oct 03 Hazelnut Tree

Oct 04 to Oct 13 Rowan Tree

Oct 14 to Oct 23 Maple Tree

Oct 24 to Nov 11 Walnut Tree

Nov 12 to Nov 21 Chestnut Tree

Nov 22 to Dec 01 Ash Tree

Dec 02 to Dec 11 Hornbeam Tree

Dec 12 to Dec 21 Fig Tree

Dec 22 to Dec 29 Beech Tree

Whichever tree you choose, you are bringing another life into this world, amidst adding shade, beauty and perhaps a home for animals and other creatures. Let this be a symbol of life and love, as well as a tradition to pass on to others, symbolizing your respect for nature and the earth that we live upon.

Check out new issues for more “Green Wedding” tips!