How A 1917 Explosion That Killed 2000 People Sparked A Christmas Tree Exchange That Continues To This Day
How A 1917 Explosion That Killed 2000 People Sparked A Christmas Tree Exchange That Continues To This Day
NEED TO KNOW
- Each year, the Canadian province of Nova Scotia gifts the city of Boston its official Christmas tree
- The gift stems from the devastating Halifax explosion of 1917, which saw nearly 2,000 deaths and hundreds of injuries
- As a response, Boston sent immediate medical aid and relief supplies to Nova Scotians — all these years later, Nova Scotia is still returning the favor
When the city of Boston unveils its Christmas tree each year, it’s than a simple holiday tradition. That’s because the tree itself is a gesture of goodwill and a gift from the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.
According to Nova Scotia’s official websitethe gift stems from the devastating Halifax explosion of 1917 when, on December 6 of that year, two ships collided in the harbor, killing nearly 2,000 people and leaving hundreds severely injured and homeless.
As a response, Boston sent immediate medical aid and relief supplies to Nova Scotians.
Reads the official website: “We will never forget this support and kindness from the people of Boston. To say thank you, the province gives Boston the gift of a beautiful Christmas tree every year.”
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John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty
The first “Tree for Boston,” as it is now known, was donated in 1971.
These days, the tree even has its
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so others can follow along on its annual journey from Canada to the U.S.
This year’s tree arrived on Nov. 18marking the 54th anniversary of the annual donation, and 108 years of friendship between Boston and Nova Scotia.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu received it in the city after traveling to Canada to watch the tree — a 45-foot-tall white spruce — be cut down in Lunenburg County.
“To the government and people of Nova Scotia, I am so proud and honored to bring greetings from the people of Boston and tremendous gratitude for this very special gift,” Wu said at the ceremony, per NBC Boston. “This is a longstanding tradition that we hold dear to our hearts in Boston. I couldn’t be happier to be here with my family to see Nova Scotia for the first time and to witness this very important tradition.”
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Author: uaetodaynews
Published on: 2025-12-24 11:15:00
Source: uaetodaynews.com
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