Burning of the Greens Set for January 6th

Tulsa Parks is proud to announce the “Burning of the Greens” will be Thursday, January 6, 2006, 6:30 pm at Johnson Park – 61st and Riverside Drive.

Beginning in 1941 at Mohawk Park, “Burning of the Greens” can be traced back to World War II in Europe where it was unlucky to have green decorations following the twelfth night after Christmas. In the Christian tradition, the 12th day commemorates the visit of The Magi (Three Wise Men) to adore Jesus. The feast day is also known as “Epiphany” and completes the Christmas season. It was customary to remove Christmas greens on that night and take them to the town square to be burned.

Now, over 60 years later, Tulsa no longer calls this celebration “Epiphany” and all religious significance has been detached. The tradition is emphasized with replenishing as free seedlings are offered. Old trees are also mulched, or offered to local fishermen and landowners as a fish habitat for area ponds and lakes.

Food, music, and activities begin at 6:30pm, with the culmination of the lighting of the trees at 7:00 pm. Highlighting the Tulsa Burn Camp, Tulsa’s “Hottest Firefighters” will be autographing and selling their calendars, Huffy the Clown will be entertaining, and Mayor LaFortune will be stopping by helping to ignite the giant pile of trees. Admission is free.

Those wishing to add their trees to the stack are invited to bring them starting Tuesday, January 3rd at Johnson Park located at 61st and Riverside Drive. Over five thousand trees will create the base of the enormous fire seen clearly for several miles.