How to Start a Tree Planting Family Tradition
Some family traditions begin spontaneously. The whole family happens to gather in one place for a holiday or birthday two or three times and from then on, it is simply expected. A certain song is sung or game played and after a few repetitions, that becomes the norm. Other traditions, though, need a little help getting started. Many families choose to plant trees to commemorate certain events.
- Decide where you will plant your trees. If someone in your family owns a piece of land, that is by far the best solution. For best results this property should be expected to stay in the family, and that the owner and his heirs should be on good terms with all family members. It also helps if the land is so located that all family members can visit.
- Consider alternative arrangements if you have no land. Those who own no property are not excluded from tree planting. Many organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund, offer sponsorship programs: they plant a tree in your name, and you get a certificate.
- Choose an occasion. Many families plant a tree for each birth. Other possible events to commemorate with tree planting are marriages and graduations. The symbolism involves a new life or a new stage of life.
- Gather support. Tell family members, or arrange for them to find out about the idea of a tree planting tradition. Perhaps someone you know will be part of their family’s tree planting in the near future, or maybe there is a print article you could leave lying around. Persuade as large a group of your extended family as you can to participate.
- Publicize each event. Available methods vary from written invitations to old-fashioned telephone trees to Internet event websites. Make sure as many family members as possible know each time a tree is to be planted. Planting the tree in conjunction with another event is one way to ensure good attendance.
- Avoid planting more than one tree at a time. Except for special circumstances, such as the birth of twins, planting several trees at once reduces the impact of each individual planting. Make the celebration seem special by making it a separate event.
- Establish a ceremony. Perhaps you will only use certain tools to plant your tree. Maybe the family meets in front of the house and walks together to the planting location. The oldest person present could be asked to make a speech or everyone could sing some significant song. The important thing is to make an event of planting your tree.
Once your tree planting tradition is established, take care not to miss an event. Imagine how a child will feel in years to come if she is the only one of her cousins who has no tree because her parents were living abroad when she was born. Perform your tree plantings carefully and consistently and they may be a part of your family’s life for generations to come.