What Do You Know About the Christmas Tree?

Across the world, many households will be decorating with a Christmas tree this holiday season. But what do we really know about this tree that adorns our homes for several weeks at the end of the year? Here is a short quiz to test your knowledge about this popular tree.

Add up your points to see if you know as much about Christmas trees as you thought you did.

1. Where does the tradition of the Christmas tree come from?

a) Jewish

b) Roman

c) German

2. The first Christmas trees used in Canada date back to:

a) 1920

b) 1781

c) 1873

3. Tradition dictates that the Christmas tree be put up on a specific date. Which date?

a) Christmas Eve

b) The third Sunday of Advent

c) On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

4. In Argentina, the most popular type of “Christmas tree” is:

a) The araucaria, a native tree

b) The Fraser fir, grown in the mountains

c) The artificial tree

5. The most commonly used tree in Canada as a Christmas tree is:

a) Balsam fir

b) Fraser fir

c) White spruce

6. The world’s largest exporter of live Christmas trees is:

a) Canada

b) Denmark

c) Greenland

7. Which US state has the largest production of cultivated Christmas trees?

a) Alaska

b) Oregon

c) Hawaii

8. Which statement is true?

a) Most Christmas trees produced in Quebec are sold in Quebec.

b) Most Christmas trees produced in Quebec are sold in Ontario.

c) Most Christmas trees produced in Quebec are sold in the United States.

9. How many years does it take, on average, to grow a cultivated Christmas tree?

a) 7 to 8

b) 8 to 12

c) 13 to 14

According to the Canadian Christmas Tree Association, how much liquid should the pedestal table be able to hold?

a) 1 liter

b) 2 liters

c) 6 liters

Answers

c) German

The fir tree symbolized renewal for pagan German group, as it remained green during the “dead” period of the year. Ceremonies were held around the fir tree for New Year’s Day, the date of the “rebirth” of the earth. The Germans kept this tradition even after converting to Christianity. It was around the 1500s that fir trees began to be used indoors.

2. b) 1781

German mercenaries brought the tradition to Quebec. It is said that the first Christmas tree on Quebec soil was set up in Sorel in 1781 by Major General von Riedesel and his wife.

3. a) Christmas Eve

Purists want the tree to be put up on Christmas Eve and taken down 12 nights later, on Epiphany.

4. c) Artificial Christmas trees

Dans plusieurs pays hispanophones, la tradition vient des États-Unis et les arbres artificiels dominent.

5. a) Balsam fir

The best-selling species in Canada. The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is gaining market share, but is not yet in first place.

6. b) Denmark

Largest international exporter. Canada ranks second.

7. b) Oregon

According to the most recent data (2023), Oregon remains the largest producer of Christmas trees in the United States, with approximately 4.7 million trees harvested annually, followed closely by North Carolina (4.2 million).

Hawaii is among the lowest producers, and Alaska does not produce cultivated trees.

7. c) Most Quebec Christmas trees are sold in the United States.

Quebec currently produces approximately 1.2 to 1.5 million trees per year, nearly 75% of which are exported to the United States. The rest is mainly sold in Quebec and Ontario.

9. b) 8 to 12 ans

The duration varies depending on the climate, the vigor of the plants, and the desired size. Seedlings generally spend about two years in the nursery before being planted in the field, then six to ten years in the field before harvest.

10. c) 6 litres

A tree can drink up to 4 liters on the first day, then 1 liter per day.

Your Ranking

9 to 10 correct answers: Congratulations! You are a seasoned Christmas tree lover.

6 to 8 correct answers: You’re doing well, but there’s still room to learn!

0 to 5 correct answers: You’re a little out of touch with the realities of Christmas trees… it’s time to rediscover Christmas trees!