The fir tree is the origin of the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree, inspired by the custom of the Ancient Germans, who decorated their dwellings with fir branches at the winter solstice. Contemporary Mexicans have a similar tradition, decorating their homes and churches with fir branches. Firs are distinguished from spruces and pines by their flat, glossy, dark green needles, and the cones of fir trees are softer than those of other conifers.
Fir trees grow in large parts of North and Central America, Asia and, of course, Europe. The genus name is derived from the Latin "to hover", as a symbol of their height. At maturity, these trees can reach heights of 10 to 80 metres. In Slovakia, the tallest and most species-known white fir grows in the Veporské vrchy Mountains and measures 58 metres. Fir trees require wetter and deeper soil. They are also sensitive to air pollution, so they are largely mainly a mountain tree. In the past, our ancestors used fir wood as construction timber, even for water structures, because of the wood's good resistance to moisture. They also made wine barrels from such wood.
As mentioned in the article above, the most well-known species is the white fir. It is a Slovak classic. It has needles arranged in two rows with the lower longer row. The needles are dark green on the upper side and have a white band on the underside. The other well-known species is the Syrene fir, which smells wonderfully of lemons and plays with bright colours. It has a greater amount of resin and is easy to grow. Other species are the Nordmann fir and the Caucasian fir, which take their name from where they are found. In total, there are about 50 different species of fir trees, which differ in needles or in growth.
Like any type of wood, fir has its own distinctive characteristics. It is used as a quality construction timber, in the construction of various structures, but also in the furniture industry. Fir wood is light in colour, with reddish tints that are typical of it. As it ages, it takes on greyish shades. It is light, flexible and soft, with a striking texture. It is made into chairs, cabinets, chests of drawers, shelves, as well as tables and picture frames. Thanks to the loose wood grain, the surface of fir wood will never be soft and perfect, which is an advantage when making eccentric oriental furniture.
The once sacred conifer is also known for its healing properties. The resin-like liquid oozing from the bark has medicinal properties. It fights inflammation, stimulates immunity, has beneficial effects on the human respiratory system, optimizes heart function and has many other beneficial effects on our body. From the sweet dew produced by insects that feed on the sap of this plant, fir honey is produced. This honey is dark in colour, sweet in taste with a distinct resinous aroma and strengthens the body's defences. Finally, who has not had a fragrant fir tree at home at Christmas at least once in their life? Its wider arrangement of 'tiers' makes it ideal for a great arrangement of Christmas decorations, which is why it is the most popular Christmas tree.
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