Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. Today, many countries observe such a holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climax and suitable planting season., it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska, but tree planting festivals are as old as civili- zation. The tree has appeared throughout history and literature as the symbol of life.
The Founder of arbour day was J. Sterling Morton.Morton was a journalist and soon be- came editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper. Given that forum, he spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees to a receptive audience. His fellow pio- neers missed their trees and needed them for windbreaks, fuel, building materials and shade from the hot prairie sun. A visit to Nebraska today wouldn’t disclose
The Spread of a Good Idea:
- Throughout the world, people of all ages are planting trees, caring for them and learning their value.
- In the United States, this tree planting festival is called Arbor Day.
- In Israel, it is called the New Year’s Day of the Trees.
- Korea has a Tree-Loving Week.
- Iceland has a Student’s Afforestation Day.
- Yugoslavia holds an Arbor Day in the spring and an Afforestation Day
- in the fall.
- India celebrates a National Festival of Tree Planting.
Shortly after this 1872 observance, other states passed legislation to observe Arbor Day each year with appropriate ceremo- nies. By 1920, more than 45 states and territorial possessions were celebrating Arbor Day. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated in all fifty states.
Some lines of J.Sterling Morton:
“The cultivation of flowers and trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful and the ennobling in man, and for one, I wish to see this culture become universal.”
“Arbor Day ... which has already transplanted itself ... to every state in the American Union and has even been adopted in foreign lands … is not like other holidays. Each of those reposes on the past, while Arbor Day proposes for the future.”
“ ... all the people strive on Arbor Day to plant many, many trees, both forest and fruit. May the day and the observance thereof be cherished in every household, and its name and fruits become as a shower of blessing to the long lines of generations who shall succeed us.”