Springtime! A time of new life, abundance, and joy! And what better way to celebrate than with a wedding! So, you are cordially invited to The Wedding of the Trees, or the Spozalizio degli Alberi! A full medieval festival in every sense, complete with costumes, bands, and flags.
Participants: two big oak trees
Date: May 8, annually
Location: the town of Vetralla, in northern Lazio
Occasion: to celebrate the fertility of Spring and to promote the protection and care of local forests
Purpose: to revive Vetralla’s sovereignty over its the forests, and reaffirm the ongoing tradition that guarantees each resident one cubic meter of firewood per year
A Medieval tradition
This symbolic wedding dates back to the Middle Ages. It begins with the ascent of Monte Fogliano to decorate the chosen oaks with veils and garlands. This is followed by the official reading and signing of a notarial document. The ceremony ends with a parade of horse guards. The riders gallop around the trees and throw bouquets of spring flowers at the “bride and groom”. The Broom Plant is a common choice, which brings us to an intriguing tradition.
This festival has its roots in ancient fertility rites. So the Broom Plant could be a way of wishing the couple a house full of children to clean up after. Who knows? In any case, marrying trees seems crazy to me.
The use of the broom plant as a sweeping tool also dates back to the 15th century. But the custom of giving them at weddings seems odd. A useful tool for newlyweds, yes. But according to an old Sussex rhyme, the bride could use it to sweep her husband away.
Sweep the house with blossed broom in May And sweep the head of the household away!
The idea of wishing the couple a clean house is great! But not to the point of sweeping out the husband!
Its purpose
But one of the main purposes of the festival is to promote forest conservation, and I’m all for that! Which reminds me of another Tree. Alhough of course, he doesn’t consider himself a tree.
“Tree? I am no tree! I am an Ent. Some call me Treebeard.”
JRR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
A tree-herder, a Shepherd or guardian of the forest. But somehow, I imagine that Treebeard would like this festival. Someone should invite him…or perhaps he has already arrived?
The Nuptial dinner
But hey, don’t go yet, the festivities aren’t over yet. Like any real wedding, it’s time for the wedding feast. A free picnic for everyone! You didn’t think they’d have a wedding without food, did you? Especially an Italian wedding, which are known for abundant food and wine!
So let’s make a toast for the wedding of the trees! Not that I’m in favor of fertility rites which seem like a bunch of nonsense. But protecting trees? Of course! And enough firewood for everyone? Yes please!
Though Italy could use more fertility. It’s a dying country. Fewer and fewer babies are born every year. So I’d say a few weddings are in order!
But I’ll leave you to enjoy the festivities by watching the video below! I’m going to go look for Treebeard. He must be around here somewhere…Treebeard wouldn’t miss the Wedding of the Trees! And what about you?
Photo credits: Wedding rings; by Bairyna via Pixabay | invitation made on Canva | Broom tree is mine.
Did the Italians coin the phrase, “Any excuse for a party?” I think you enjoy more festivals than any other country–at least most countries! The trees must be beautiful when decorated.
I’m not sure about that Nancy. But you’re right – Italians do love a good festa!! And yes, I’m sure the trees must be beautiful!!