Tannenbaum, O No

Silver Fir

Although the German word “Tannenbaum” is often said to mean “Christmas tree,” the famous song lyrics tell a much broader tale.

For starters, “tannenbaum” literally means “fir tree.”  The 1924 lyrics by Ernst Anschutz speak of a faithful tree that remains “green and blooming… through summer’s heat and winter’s chill.”  Subsequent versions continue to emphasize tannenbaum’s evergreen qualities throughout all seasons.

All well and good when tannenbaum is allowed to live a full life within its natural setting.  But when tannenbaum is cut down, bundled, then propped back up in artificial environments, trouble sets in.  Household fires have long been associated with “never-greens” that easily ignite.

If that weren’t enough, there are plenty of moldy tannenbaums.  It turns out that dead trees are prone to parasitic infections.  A human disease called “Christmas Tree Syndrome” has recently made headlines.  It occurs when susceptible people come in contact with mold spores that flourish upon felled and bundled trees.  Symptoms include breathing difficulties and skin disturbances.

A modern “O Tannenbaum” lyric reiterates “how sturdy God hath made" this tree.  Kicking it to the curb within a few short weeks seems at odds with the Christmas spirit.

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Tannenbaum

https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-28-christmas-tree-syndrome-hospitalizing-people-across-the us/?mid=1191103&rid=98364581&sc=email&pname=newsletter&cid=NATIONAL&keyid=National%20iHeart%20Daily%20NewsTalk&campid=headline5_readmore