   Cedar, Not PineSouthern Christmas Tree TraditionA mountain and rural Southern tradition: Christmas trees were usually red cedar, not pine or fir. Cedars were easy to find, smelled stronger, and held homemade ornaments without drooping. Hillbilly Dude Says...  We were a douglas fir family, but cedar was super common. My neighbor from across the mountain had cedar - and man that would hurt. Hillbilly Dude Says... We were a douglas fir family, but cedar was super common. My neighbor from across the mountain had cedar - and man that would hurt. OriginIn the Appalachian South, cedar trees grew wild along fence lines and pastures. Before store-bought trees and electric lights, families cut one fresh each December, trimming it with paper garlands, berries, and tinfoil stars.
NotesOlder Southerners still talk about "cedar Christmases" - a tradition fading as store-bought pines took over in the 1960s and ’70s. Some still cut a cedar each year just for nostalgia, saying no tree looks or smells quite the same. LegacyThe cedar Christmas tree remains a hallmark of Southern memory - a simple, hand-cut symbol of holidays spent close to home, when the only twinkle came from tinfoil and candlelight. DislaimerWhat you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives. If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more on the Folklore hub page. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |