Health & Fitness
The Tradition of the Wisconsin Holiday Tree
By Bill Sitter, Staff Contributor for Wisconsin Election Watch,
MADISON – Christmas is a time that brings a lot of cheer, celebration and even controversy in Wisconsin. The reason is because of the Holiday Tree which is set-up at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.
The Holiday tree tradition began in 1918 and was known as the State Christmas tree until 1987. That year, it was changed to the Holiday tree. The argument for the change was due to an issue with Freedom of Religion Clause in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
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Opponents argued that the state naming the holiday tree, a Christmas tree amounts to an endorsement of religion. Anne Laurie Gaylor of the Madison-based Freedom from Religion Foundation said: “Calling it a Holiday tree was meant to be inclusive.”
Since Governor Scott Walker took office in 2011, the state reverted back to tradition by calling the state’s holiday tree a Christmas tree. Governor Walker told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on December 8th that: “It’s fine. It’s a diverse state. I think it’s a reflection of the many different wonderful traditions in the State of Wisconsin.”
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The Capitol Rotunda includes many different Holiday traditions. Festivs trees, a nativity scene mocking Christmas, and the traditional Christmas tree features the holiday display at the Capitol.
For the 2013 tree ceremony, the effort was done in four different phases. For the month of October, a call was made for ornaments to be used on the tree. In November the tree was purchased and was sent to Madison. On December 2nd, decorating began and the tree is placed in the State Capitol. Three days later, two separate ceremonies were held to light and present the tree to the public.
Wisconsin has three very unique traditions as part of the set-up and lighting of the tree. One is that the signature ornament for the tree that is designed by a local artist. Second is that a new skirt is knitted for the tree, and third that school children are involved with the tree lighting process.
On behalf of our entire staff and interns at Wisconsin Election Watch, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Editor's Note-Our Article can be found at: http://wisconsinelectionwatch.com/12603/tradition-wisconsin-holiday-tree/
