Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree
The Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree[1] (1985–2011; 2019–present), previously known as the Wisconsin State Capitol Christmas Tree (1916–1985; 2011–2019) is a decorated pine tree that is placed at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin and decorated with ornaments on a specific theme made by school children across the state (2019's theme was "Science").[2] The tree is on display throughout the Christmas and holiday season. The tradition began in 1916 and continues to this day.[3][4]
History
[edit]![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2019) |
The tradition first began in 1916, when the Department of Administration of the Wisconsin Capitol undertook the erection and decoration of the tree each year from late November to early January.[4]
Naming controversy
[edit]Like many other American city-endorsed Christmas tree lightings, the name of the tree has been controversially changed on more than one occasion. It was first renamed from its original name to "holiday tree" in 1985, to "avoid perceptions that [they] were endorsing religion". In 2007, the state assembly passed a resolution to call the tree a "Christmas tree", but it was ultimately never passed. Former Wisconsin governor Scott Walker declared the tree a "Christmas tree" when he took office in 2011, reverting to the original name. In 2019, new governor Tony Evers made the decision to revert to the "holiday tree" name.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Holiday Happenings Itinerary | Madison, WI". Archived from the original on January 22, 2020. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
- ^ Kenneally, Will (12 December 2019). "Who's Behind The Handmade Ornaments Adorning The Wisconsin Capitol Holiday Tree?". Wisconsin Public Radio. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
- ^ Murray, Phoebe (6 December 2022). "Holiday tree lighting at the Wisconsin Capitol Tuesday". WMTV. Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
- ^ a b c Richmond, Todd (8 November 2019). "Wisconsin governor returns 'holiday tree' name to evergreen". AP NEWS. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
See also
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