How Nature Plays a Role in Holiday and New Year Celebrations Around the World

The holiday season is a time for togetherness, reflection, and traditions—and at the heart of many celebrations is nature itself. The evergreen tree for example, whether real or artificial (learn more about this debate in one of our previous blog articles), remains an enduring symbol, but nature’s role in holiday traditions goes far beyond decorations. Trees and plants are woven into celebrations around the world and across different calendars, playing a vital role in connecting us to nature and to one another.

Christmas in Brazil

In Brazil, Christmas blends European traditions with local cultural touches. As the country with the largest Catholic population in the world, its Christmas celebrations reflect deep religious roots introduced during Portuguese colonization in the 16th century, forcibly replacing Indigenous traditions. People decorate both natural and artificial pine trees, and Santa Claus, dressed in his winter attire, appears as a familiar figure—despite Brazil’s tropical climate. Brazil is a large country, and there are regional variations, but many European traditions remain strong in these celebrations.

A standout tradition is the “Rio Tree,” a massive Christmas tree structure first erected in 1996 in Rio de Janeiro’s Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. At its peak, in 2013, it reached a height of 85 meters, equivalent to a 28-storey building. In 2007, the inauguration of the tree was televised for the first time, marking the start of the Christmas season in the city.

The Mandarin Orange: A Symbol of Luck for Lunar New Year

Mandarin oranges are a cherished symbol during the Lunar New Year, often associated with prosperity and good fortune. Their vibrant, glossy skin—thanks to their prominent oil glands—gives them a golden appearance that is both striking and auspicious.

It is traditional for older generations to gift mandarin oranges to children and for families to exchange them during holiday visits, symbolizing the sharing of blessings and luck. While these oranges are edible and their dried peels are used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestion, many of the varieties displayed during this time are cultivated for decorative purposes, emphasizing their visual and symbolic appeal.

The Orthodox Celebration of Christmas and Epiphany

For many Orthodox Christians, the holiday season is a prolonged celebration, with festivities extending from December 25 to January 6. While December 25th is observed with joy and often includes Christmas trees, the main spiritual event is Epiphany, which marks the baptism of Christ. On January 6, Orthodox families attend church services where fir tree branches are laid around the pews. These evergreen branches, symbols of eternal life and renewal, create a reverent connection to nature’s role in faith and tradition.

In the Armenian Orthodox Church, Christmas is celebrated on January 6 and is a public holiday. Families come together for festive dinners in homes adorned with nativity scenes and Christmas trees. In the lead-up to January 6, Armenians begin their celebrations early, with New Year festivities kicking off the holiday spirit. By early December, the capital city of Yerevan transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring vibrant Christmas markets, dazzling decorations, and bustling cafes. This festive atmosphere builds excitement, culminating in the religious significance of Christmas Day.

Symbolism of Trees and Plants in India during Ugadi

In India, trees and plants are central to cultural and spiritual traditions, with each species carrying unique symbolism. Ugadi, the Hindu Lunar New Year, which will be celebrated on March 30th next year, marks the beginning of the new year and the onset of spring for several South Indian states. The neem tree plays a special role in this festival; its bitter flowers are a key ingredient in Ugadi Pachadi, a dish of six flavours symbolizing the different emotions and experiences of life.

Banana leaves are another example of nature’s integral role, used in religious offerings and as biodegradable plates for festive meals. Similarly, mango leaves are strung across doorways in homes and temples during rituals to welcome prosperity and good fortune.
Sacred trees, often ancient or located in spiritually significant spots, are revered in Indian culture. Devotees tie colourful strings, ribbons, and other offerings around their trunks as acts of prayer or gratitude, deepening the connection between people and nature.

Trees and Renewal in Persian New Year and Tradition

Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebrated at the vernal equinox in March, marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal and growth. As part of the festivities, planting trees or tending to gardens is a cherished tradition, representing hope for prosperity in the year ahead. On the traditional Haft-Seen table, Sabzeh—sprouts of wheat or barley—serves as a vivid symbol of nature’s rejuvenation and the vital role of vegetation in Persian life.

Sarv, the cypress tree, is a cultural icon in Iran. It embodies immortality, freedom, and resilience. The Sarv-e Abarkuh, found in the city of Abarkuh in the province of Yazd, in central Iran, is one of the oldest living organisms in the world, with a history of nearly 4,500 years. Its image is deeply rooted in Persian art, appearing in miniature paintings, carpets, and other traditional designs. The cypress is also a common sight in cemeteries, symbolizing the enduring nature of life and the soul’s continuity.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our staff and contributors for providing valuable insights and information that helped bring this blog post to life. Your contributions are a true reflection of the spirit of collaboration, diversity and celebration.