With umbrellas up and spirits high, attendees braved the pouring rain last Wednesday in anticipation of the arrival of a Christmas tree from Nova Scotia.
The tree arrival is a yearly tradition preceding the formal tree lighting ceremony in December, which tributes Boston’s relationship with the Canadian province.
A small crowd gathered behind the Boston Common Visitors Center to witness the tree’s arrival, led by two Boston police officers on horses through the Common.
A man dressed up as Santa Claus rang bells as the tree pulled into the Boston Common. He handed out candy canes to children.
The tree arrived already decorated with some colorful lights, but more decorations will be added as it is set up for the 83rd Boston Common Tree Lighting on Dec. 5, according to Brian Swett, Boston’s first chief climate officer.
The origin of the tree donation tradition came on Dec. 6, 1917, when two ships collided in Halifax Harbour and caused a large explosion. Thousands of people were killed and hundreds were severely injured, but Massachusetts and Boston representatives stepped up to help the relief efforts, starting the bond of friendship that continues today.
At the time, it was the largest human-made explosion. This year marks the 53rd tree that has been donated from Nova Scotia after the tradition resumed in 1971, following over five decades of hiatus after the first tree was donated the year after the incident.
Boston Parks and Recreation Department park ranger Walter Evans spoke to the crowd about the story behind Boston’s relationship with Nova Scotia during the receiving of the tree.
There was a final transmission from Patrick Vincent Coleman, a train dispatcher, received by former Mass. Governor Samuel Walker McCall and former Boston Mayor James Michael Curley. The city of Boston sent doctors and nurses, medical aid, and over $1 million of supplies to Halifax.
Evans said this was all “without being asked” and “the people of Halifax were beyond grateful to the city of Boston.” The Christmas tree is “a token of appreciation to the citizens of Boston for the assistance during their worst hour,” Evans added.
Carol Boggs, a Boston local from Brighton, Mass., has always loved the Boston Common tree.
“All these years later, I think it’s just awesome that they do this,” Boggs said as she watched the 45-foot tall tree pull into its ceremonial spot on the Common lawn by a truck.
To determine who supplies the tree for Boston each year, the province of Nova Scotia holds a contest. The criteria for the tree are listed on Nova Scotia’s website with characteristics such as height, color, and density. In addition to choosing the tree, there is a tree-cutting ceremony before its departure to Boston.
This year’s tree was donated by Hugh and Liz Ryan, who are landowners from Mattie Settlement in Antigonish County. They have watched the giant white spruce grow for the past 30 years.
“This tree is a symbol of love and hope and joy during the holiday season,” Liz Vizza, the president of the Friends of the Public Garden, told the crowd.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will host the official tree lighting on Thursday with the Boston Recreation Department and title sponsor The Province of Nova Scotia. The event is headlined by American Authors, who are originally from Boston and known for hit songs like “Best Day of My Life.”
“Having something that lights up our hearts, our community, that brings us together, is such a beautiful tradition and it reminds us that we are not alone,” Vizza said.
