Arbor Day - January 15, 2025

What is Arbor Day 

The Latin word Arbor means tree. No wonder Arbor is a day to celebrate plantation and preservation of trees! It is considered an optimistic approach toward sustainability. 

Planting a tree on Arbor day symbolizes that one day it will grow to give us clean air, refreshing shade, natural beauty, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and healthier communities – all for a better future for the planet. 

Arbor Day - All Quick Overview

• Time / Date: January 15
• Category: Environmental
• Where It’s Marked: Jordan
• Why It’s Marked:The holiday is dedicated to planting trees and helping them grow. 

History Of Arbor Day

Arbor Day symbolizes optimism for the future, unlike most holidays that represent past events worth remembering. In many cultures, planting trees at a particular time of the year was considered a ritual. But different countries celebrate Arbor Day at different times, under different circumstances. Let's explore some of them!

In Jordan, Arbor Day was initially observed in 1939. Since then, the week-long celebration has evolved beyond a one-day celebration, and some organizations even celebrate weeks of tree planting.

The first Arbor Day celebration story goes back to Nebraska City, a state in the US, in the early 1870s. A journalist by the name of Julius Sterling Morton and his wife bought 160 acres and transformed what was essentially a flat, barren plain by planting a diverse range of trees and bushes there. 

Morton proposed a day to urge everyone in Nebraska to plant trees in their neighborhood on January 7, 1872. After some debate over the name—the celebration was originally intended to be called "Sylvan Day" in honor of forest trees—the agricultural board agreed, and after Morton persuaded everyone that the day should honor all trees, "Arbor Day" was formed. The first Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10, 1872, a huge success. About 1 million trees were planted under Morton's direction because he believed every day was Arbour Day!

In less than 20 years, Arbor Day had spread across the US. With the assistance of fellow agriculturalist Birdsey Northrop, the holiday spread even more. Northrop introduced the idea of Arbor Day to Japan in 1883 and later influenced the establishment of Arbor Days in Australia, Canada, and Europe. Many countries around the globe have started celebrating Arbor Day ever since. 

How to Celebrate Arbor Day

Unlike most holidays, Arbor Day does not necessarily have a list of religious rituals you must fulfill religiously. It is a day to celebrate with friends and families close to nature. There are plenty of activities people take part in to celebrate Arbor Day all around the world. Arbor Day Foundation talks about some of the ideas. Let’s check them out!

1. Plant a Tree

What is the perfect way to celebrate "Tree Day" than planting a tree? By planting a tree, you can personally mark Arbor Day. Plant trees on your property or lend a hand to your neighborhood government organization to plant or maintain trees in public spaces.

2. Read a Book About Tree

Reading a book about trees is a fantastic method to increase your respect for the many different tree species on our globe. 

Around the world in 80 Trees by Jonathan Drori, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, and Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees by Roger Deakin are a few potential choices.

3. Enjoy the Nature

Visit a nearby park or go on a nature stroll, and pay attention to the many tree species you come across. Enjoy your time being close to nature, and let nature flow in you!

4. Volunteer a Tree Plantation Organization

Find out if you can help plant trees by volunteering with a nearby farm or tree-planting group. That way, you can serve the community and gain some perspective about plants and their purpose.

5. Organize an Arbor Day Event Locally 

A local Arbor day event can work as a bonding agent in your community. People will attend with their families and friends, plant trees together, share their love for trees, and have some contests such as photography, art, and essay competition. 

Countries that Observe Arbor Day

Arbor Day is celebrated globally in many countries, such as Jordan, Egypt,  the Republic of Malta, the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, China, and many others. You may find it interesting how Arbor Day around the world changes!

Interesting Facts about Arbor Day

• Did you know there are about three trillion trees on earth? That roughly means that for each person, there are about 422 trees!
• In the US alone different states celebrate Arbor Day on different dates. These dates were picked up considering the best time to plant a tree in the state. Check out Arbor Day dates across the US and find out which day your favorite state celebrates Arbor Day!
• Louisiana celebrates Arbor Day on the third Friday in January, whereas Florida on the first Friday of November. It means that if you travel through different states of America, you can enjoy multiple Arbor Days in a year!

Unique Arbor Day Celebration Ideas

As we mentioned earlier, there is no strict ritual or activity to follow on Arbor Day. That’s what makes it interesting to experiment a little bit with! Here are some fun and mindful pieces of stuff you can do on Arbor Day:

• Dedicate a plant to your loved ones and tell them your love for them will only grow like a tree!
• Keep a journal packed with leaves of different shades and shapes
• Go on a tree identification hike
• Arrange a tree plantation trivia
• Have a family picnic under your favorite tree

Arbor Day Quotes

“Arbor Day is not like other holidays. Each reposes on the past, while Arbor Day proposes for the future" - Julius Sterling Morton

“If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it” - Lucy Larcom

"I thank you, God for this most amazing day, for the leaping green spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes "- E. E. Cummings

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Arbor Day and Earth Day?

The purpose of Arbor Day is to encourage community members to plant more trees, whereas the goal of Earth Day is to draw attention to the state of the environment and what can be done to improve it.

2. What is the Arbor Day Foundation?

The Arbor Day Foundation is a US-based NGO dedicated to planting trees. 

3. Why is there an Arbor Day? 

Arbor Day can be primarily credited for modern times' increased respect for forests and trees.