Kristian Knutsen
Trimming the Capitol Holiday Tree
Today's image is titled "Trimming the Capitol Holiday Tree" and was photographed by Kristian Knutsen.
A 60-year-old, 45-foot spruce tree from the Menominee forest in northeastern Wisconsin is being prepped this week to serve as the official Holiday Tree at the Capitol. The tree was cut down last Friday then shipped to Madison; by Monday, it was standing in the Rotunda, and by Tuesday morning, it was getting the first couple hundred of its eventual 2,400-strong covering of lights.
Once again, the holiday emblem is serving as a catalyst for unseasonable behavior. The most prominent example is a resolution sponsored by a state legislator to officially rename it the "Wisconsin State Christmas Tree." Whatever one chooses to call it, it's a tradition that goes back to 1916, with the trees sourced from national, state and county forests, tribal lands and private tree farmers. After the New Year, when the tree is taken down, a cross-section is cut and saved for posterity and future display.
The official lighting ceremony is at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, November 30. The tree, along with some 2,000 handmade ornaments donated by state residents -- many with Christmas messages referencing the perennial controversy -- will remain in place through Thursday, January 3.
The official lighting ceremony is at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, November 30. The tree, along with some 2,000 handmade ornaments donated by state residents -- many with Christmas messages referencing the perennial controversy -- will remain in place through Thursday, January 3.
This is the latest entry of Madison Snaps: photos of Madison-area events and locations. The send a message. There is no compensation for Madison Snaps photos, which are © to the respective photographers.