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Many people would love to tour the best of New York, especially during the winter. The atmosphere there is completely unique and there are plenty of opportunities to have fun as well. One of the most iconic and well-known elements in the city is the Rockefeller Christmas tree, which has been a tradition in the city for several decades. Next, we will be talking more about its origin and some curiosities about it.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Story
Although today this tree can be consolidated as a synonym of spectacle and ostentation, the reality is that its origin has a different meaning. This tradition arose as a way to bring hope in difficult times. The first tree was put up in 1931, during a time when Rockefeller Center had not even been completed. During this year, the city was still coping with the ravages of the Great Depression.
It is estimated that approximately 64% of the city’s construction workers had lost their jobs. Thanks to the construction of Rockefeller Center, between 40 and 60 thousand people were employed. The workers in the construction of the complex were in charge of raising money to buy a Christmas tree; this was a tree that was 20 feet tall and was decorated with garlands handmade by the families of the employees with homemade elements.
Subsequently, by 1933 lighting the tree had become a tradition generated by the owners of Rockefeller Center. The first time it was officially lit, only 700 lights were used. Even during World War II this tradition continued as usual; however, between 1942 and 1944 the tree was not lit as a precautionary measure because of the war.
This tradition continued to gain fame, to the point that soon after the ice skating rink was also installed. By the 1950s, a television broadcast was made of the tree lighting ceremony.
How is the choice of the Rockefeller Christmas tree made?
It is worth noting that anyone in the United States who owns land on which conifers grow has the opportunity to nominate their tree to be placed in Rockefeller Center. This will be taken as a donation, the only compensation being the honor of having your tree as a decorative element of the city.
Generally it will need to be at least 20 meters high and 11 meters wide. Specimens measuring between 23 and 27 meters are almost always chosen. The most commonly chosen species is the Norway spruce, which is almost always brought from the states of Pennsylvania, New York or Connecticut. A tree that is near the end of its life cycle, in excess of 50 years old, is also usually chosen.
On the other hand, not just any fir tree is suitable to become the Christmas tree that will be in Rockefeller Center. An example of this is the record set in 1999, when that year’s specimen reached 30 meters. The preparation and arrangements are usually done approximately between the middle and end of November. This way, everything can be ready for the opening ceremony in December.
Curiosities and other facts about the Christmas tree
- At the tip, it is usually adorned with a large Swarowski star, which is composed of more than 25 thousand crystals. In this way, it is always shining.
- The lighting ceremony is usually filmed, broadcast and is completely free of charge. It is a musical show in which many famous artists are present every year.
- When the tree is removed during the month of January, it is shredded, turned into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity, which helps build homes for those who need them most.
- The choice of the tree is very exhaustive and the wooded areas are always inspected by helicopter.
- During the year 1979, a man climbed the tree in order to request the release of some American hostages held in the Iranian embassy.
- Every year, this iconic tree stands in front of the General Electric skyscraper, which is the most famous building in the Rockefeller Center complex. However, the sculptures of angels that serve as decoration is an aspect that attracts a lot of people’s attention.
- It was not until the 1950s that scaffolding was used to make tree decorations.
How to watch the tree lighting?
After learning about the origins of this popular annual celebration, you may wonder what the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting looks like. Each year, the lighting takes place on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. However, the time at which the ceremony begins can vary greatly. Most of the time, it occurs between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
If we are in New York and we want to see all this show live, it is recommended that we arrive at the place at least 3 or 4 hours before it starts. It is true that we will not be in the front row, but thanks to the size of the tree, you can comfortably enjoy the performances and sessions of the show. In addition, all this can be seen on the large screens at the ends of Rockefeller Plaza.
This year, you can also enjoy a unique event, which you can attend without any problem. Many great personalities have been present at the ceremony, and every year, great artists are invited. Everything will end at the moment when the red button is pressed to light the tree, which will generate a memory you will never forget.
