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Festival of the Trees

The Festival of the Trees is a global celebration of trees and tree planting started in 1980 with participation from thousands of children in groups around the world.

The spirit of the Festival is captured by the Swahili word “Twahumwe”, meaning “pull together”. Read about past Festival activities and add your name to the list of groups dedicated to a Green Earth. Then check out the activities of RCHSS in India and the many other organizations dedicated to tree planting worldwide.

Festival of the Trees Seattle

Children of the Green Earth used the name Festival of the Trees for a decade (1984-1994) to refer to our tree plantings around the globe that brought children into connection with one another while learning about, caring for, planting and celebrating trees. Then this celebratory aspect took on a life of its own as we held actual Tree Festivals. This took the form of the ceremonial aspect of a tree planting with children to a number of festivals with adults to deepen their relationship to trees through celebrating the majesty and wonder of our green companions. We encourage you to design your own tree ceremonies. Here are some resources to inspire you in doing so.

Children Of The Green Earth

Festival Activity Guide

Activity Guide for Teachers & Group Leaders

This handbook was developed as a guide for groups who were involved in the Festival of Trees.

It has lots of good information and activities.

Festival of the Trees

Creating A Tree Ceremony

Heartwood: Intention:

We can enter into communion with nature through deep attention, reverence and gratitude. If we hold this intention as central in the creation of our tree ceremony, the outer form can extend from it.

Roots: Preparation For a Treeplanting:

Make sure it is the right time of year to plant and research the proper way to plant your tree in harmony with the planting site. What will your tree/ trees provide? Is your tree native to this place? For large tree plantings, we made mandalas with the shovels laid out like rays encircling the trees to be planted. If you are planting with young children and the ground is hard, you may need to loosen the soil or even dig the holes ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with the species of tree you are planting: its folklore, mythology and healing properties can deepen a sense of appreciation and enliven the planting. If you are working in a group, it is important to do this envisioning together. Earmark each person’s contribution: one to call people together and give an overview of what will come; another to tell a story; another to bring music; if you are planting, one to give instructions and to demonstrate. Prepare festive food and drink ahead of time.

Branches: The Ceremony Itself:

Have a clear beginning, a starting point. Holding hands in a circle helps to gather energy together. A song or simple circle dance expressing dedication that involves everyone is a good way to begin. This is the pint of invocation, through a poem or a prayer, or a spontaneous calling out of intentions from the silence. Now the time is right for “poetree”, or a tree story of your selection. If this is part of a tree planting, you may need to do this part inside. Invite musicians to be on site to help ring in the occasion or to offer subtle accompaniment throughout a planting. Consider what music is appropriate for your ceremony because it will set the tone. Flute? Kalimba? Drumming? Chimes in the wind? Allow yourself to be open. For children: involve pageantry and procession, with banners and songs. Preparing something to carry helps the children to engage, such as “blessing wands”(sticks they have found and adorned with yarn wrappings to plant with a blessing around their tree), or “wish ribbons”(to tie on tree branches with their wishes for the trees.) Classes can plant a “friendship tree” together, with each child bringing a handful of soil from near their home or from their garden. Closure: This is an opportunity for offering gratitude and benediction. Use a poem or song, such as Children of the Green Earth’s Planting Song. Sharing festive food together is a good way to end the ceremony.

From 1980-1995 Children of the Green Earth initiated, fostered, and connected children’s tree planting efforts in schools, youth groups.

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