Tree Day in Jordan (15/01)

Among Jordan's national holidays, Tree Day, celebrated annually on January 15, occupies a special place. Traditionally, events dedicated to this holiday last up to three days and are associated, first of all, with planting trees.

The history of the holiday is rooted in religion, and for many Jordanians this is sacred. In addition, the holiday is an example of how people living in desert and mountainous areas pay tribute to wood as a symbol of life. Jordan's territory is 90% desert plateaus, where only wood can provide shade for relaxation and shelter from the sultry sun.

The holiday has been celebrated at the official level since 1939. The most revered tree is considered to be the rest of the palm tree, adapted to the climate conditions of Jordan. It is considered a sacred tree, which is planted annually in cities, settlements and oases. It is festive plantings that contribute to the preservation of green spaces in Jordan and educate the younger generation of Jordanians in respect for wildlife.

In addition to the palm tree, olive trees and vineyards are planted on Tree Day. The country's government seeks to compensate for the lack of water by installing a drip irrigation system. Even for royalty, Tree Day begins with the planting of a palm tree by the king and queen.

Particular attention is paid to preserving existing plantings from illegal logging, as well as natural disasters, among which fires and drought pose the greatest danger.

If we return to the connection of the holiday with the religious basis, which for most Jordanians is Islam, we can remember that according to the Koran, Jesus was born under a palm tree, recognized in Islam as one of the greatest prophets.

Another sacred tree, known as the blessed one, grows in the desert next to the former Roman road to Damascus, where, according to legend, the future prophet Muhammad rested with his uncle, heading to this Syrian city.

It is worth noting that similar holidays are celebrated in many countries around the world, although the dates for celebrating Tree Day in different countries do not always coincide. Somewhere they are held in spring, somewhere in summer, and somewhere even in autumn. However, where geographical conditions limit the growth of trees, their value becomes disproportionately higher and equates to sacred. Jordan serves as a prime example in this sense.

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