The Symbolism of Evergreens
Timeless Lessons from Winter's Guardians
When winter settles in and the landscape turns quiet, stepping outdoors sometimes feels like you’re entering a different world. Snow blankets the ground, many trees stand bare, animals aren’t scurrying around as much but… there they are. The evergreens - vibrant, steady and strong against the monochromatic backdrop of winter. I don’t know about you, but I find that there’s something awe-inspiring about their presence. They’re the ones that always catch my eye on a winter hike, and there are a few places in particular that I go to specifically for the tall, old-growth pines.
In Michigan, our state tree is actually the Eastern White Pine, and I grew up in an area that came about because of the lumber industry and these massive gorgeous trees. Even now when I go home for a visit, I walk through the local college campus with these giants claiming themselves as the official protector of campus (they’re part of the school logo for good reason).
I often think of them as winter’s gentle giants and guardians… steady, wise, and deeply rooted. They offer shelter to wildlife, hold their place in the snow and wind, and create a sense of structure when so much else is bare. Imagine winter’s landscape without them… it’d feel incomplete.
Evergreens feel so intertwined with this season, capturing our attention and our imaginations year after year. But they offer so much more than that… especially in the heart of winter.
A Rich History of Evergreen Symbolism
For centuries, evergreens have been symbols of endurance, vitality, and eternal life. In ancient European traditions, their dark and steady green was a promise and a reminder that brighter, warmer days would come again. During the winter solstice and Yule celebrations, evergreen boughs adorned homes to mark the return of the sun and the slow lengthening of days ahead.
Even today, they’re central to winter celebrations. From Christmas trees to garlands and wreaths, evergreens carry traditions of connection, faith, resilience and the enduring beauty of nature. They’re a quiet constant in the heart of winter… a season that often feels anything but steady.
Evergreens in Winter Celebrations
Yule Traditions
In pagan Yule celebrations, evergreens were symbols of protection and renewal. Bringing branches of pine, fir, or holly indoors was believed to guard against darkness and bring blessings for the year ahead. The Yule log - often decorated with evergreen sprigs (even though it was traditionally made of oak, ash or some other long-burning wood) - was burned to honor the turning of the year, celebrating the sun’s gradual return.
Today, Yule traditions live on in modern solstice celebrations, where evergreens continue to represent life and light in the darkest days.
Christmas Traditions
Evergreens are just as deeply rooted in Christmas traditions, most likely due to the adaption of pagan customs. The Christmas tree, first popularized in 16th-century Germany, symbolized light and hope through its decorated branches. Wreaths, made of evergreen boughs, echo these sentiments. Their circular shape speaks to eternity and the cycles of life, while the evergreens themselves remind us of enduring faith and love.
Across traditions, evergreens connect us to nature’s cycles, offering hope even when the world outside feels still and cold.
The Resilience of Winter Evergreens
Evergreens don’t just look strong though, they truly are. Their wax-coated needles conserve water, their deep roots anchor them against harsh winds, and they thrive in conditions where most plants can’t. Here in Michigan, we’re lucky to have an array of these resilient trees and shrubs: pines, spruces, yews, junipers, cedars and hollies.
They’re a testament to nature’s ability to adapt and endure… to find strength in the stillness of winter. And that’s a lesson that all of us can hold onto.
Lessons from Evergreens: Strength and Growth in Winter
Winter can feel like a time of stillness and quiet… of deep introspection. But it can also be cold, dark, challenging, isolating… and difficult for many. Evergreens help remind us that growth happens even in life’s quieter seasons, and even when things are hard. They teach us to stay rooted in what sustains us, to find our sources of security and strength, and to hold onto hope, even when things feel tough.
Here are a few ways to connect with their energy this winter:
Take a winter walk: Find a local trail or park with evergreens. Take a few minutes to really notice their presence. Watch their bristles sway in the breeze, notice the tiny pine cones, feel the sharpness of their needles… and let their resilience inspire you.
Reflect on their symbolism: Spend some time journaling. What does resilience mean to you? How have you weathered life’s winters? What strengths do you have that maybe you don’t give enough credit to?
Bring evergreens indoors: Evergreens aren’t only meant for the holiday season. Decorate with foraged or purchased evergreen branches throughout the winter as a way to honor the season and remind you of your strength, resilience, security. And a reminder, too, that everything has a season.
How to Use Evergreens for Seasonal Winter Decor
Evergreens aren’t just symbolic though, they’re practical, too. Incorporating them into your home creates a sense of wonderful natural beauty and seasonal coziness… who doesn’t want that?
Here are a few simple ideas:
Wreaths and garlands: Craft your own (or buy if that’s easier) with pine, cedar, or fir branches. Add holly berries, pinecones, dried oranges, bells or ribbon for a personal touch. Or add it all… you do you.
Table arrangements: Arrange evergreen sprigs in a vase or along a table runner. Pair them with candles or ornaments for a warm centerpiece. I love to take mason jars or small bud vases and plop a few evergreen sprigs into them and place them around my house.
Rustic accents: Tie small bundles of evergreens with twine and hang them on doorknobs, railings, from sconces or chair backs. Let your imagination run wild here.
A quick note on foraging (which hopefully goes without saying) but remember to do so sustainably and with permission. Take only what you need and avoid harming the plant. Respecting nature ensures these beautiful trees can continue thriving for years to come.
Evergreens are also more than just conifers (even though I’d suspect many of us associate them as such). Evergreens encompass plants that retain their green color during the winter (hence the name ever-green). So yes, while we most likely associate evergreens to pines, cedars, junipers, firs, etc (because they are), evergreens are also boxwood, holly, rhododendron, euonymus and more.
Evergreens in Winter: A Reflection for You
So as we move through winter and the season of stillness, cold and darkness, let the evergreens be a reminder of quiet strength and resilience. Let them support you through the season and keep their timeless lessons in mind: stay rooted, endure with grace, and hold onto hope.
What do evergreens mean to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts - feel free to share in the comments or send me a message.
