Entry #46 - by Triple S
Concept
Christmas tree tradition began as a symbolic act in ancient cultures. Before Christianity, Pagans celebrated trees as a symbol of fertility, life, and renewal during the darkest days of winter. Egyptians- symbolize life’s triumph over death, Druids- as emblems of everlasting life and later Germany- decorating with nuts and fruits, linking their triangular shape to the Holy Trinity.
Christmas tree gained popularity through the British royal family’s 1848 Illustrated London News photo, making it a holiday symbol across Britain. Its republication in America(1950) reinforced its status as an aspirational, consumer-driven tradition.
Once a symbol of life and hope during winter, has been reshaped by capitalism and consumerism.
Capitalists turned Christmas trees into symbols of consumerism, promoting displays of wealth that stimulated economic-gain and deepened social divides by making tree extravagance a status marker.
Today, many participate without knowing the tradition’s origins, becoming innocent participants in a system designed to encourage spending. The result: environmental harm, waste, and perpetuated inequality.
‘A lifeless tree is meaningless’, adding unnecessary production costs and waste.
To reclaim its essence, ideology of Christmas tree must shift in people’s minds—from being a symbol of capitalist exploitation—towards rediscovering its authentic, contextual meaning of hope and renewal.
Materials
Tree
Additional Documents
The Colour Burst House
Architects: LIJO.RENY.architects
Lead Architects: Reny Lijo & Lijo Jos
Location: Kerala, India
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Praveen Mohandas
We want to enjoy the rain, from every room of our house”, was the initial statement made by the clients in their project brief.”The Color Burst House” was the result, and it included three enormous, double-height open to sky courtyards that all of the main rooms could open into, allowing the occupants to enjoy the rain, light and breeze with the changing seasons from the comfort of their rooms.
#architecturelovers #ArchitecturalDesign #architecturelovers #architects #architecturedaily #design #Archilovers #BuildingDesign #ArchitecturalPhotography #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturePhotography #ArchViz #InteriorArchitecture #Cityscape #UrbanArchitecture #InteriorDesign #DesignInspiration #LandscapeArchitecture #architecturaldetails
Feb 5
Giving Back to Nature at Diyasaru Park, Thalawathugoda!
As part of the Tree Without a Tree competition, we proudly donated trees and fertilizers to support the green initiatives at Diyasaru Park. 🌱✨
This effort is a step toward fostering a sustainable future while honoring our commitment to the environment. A heartfelt thank you to all participants and supporters who made this possible. 💚
Let’s continue to grow and give back to nature together!
#TreeWithoutATree #TreeDonation #DiyasaruPark #Sustainability #Archalley #GreenInitiative
Jan 27
Keeping Our Promise!
We are proud to announce that we have handed over the contribution to SOS Children’s Villages as part of the Tree Without a Tree competition. 💚
A heartfelt thank you to all participants and supporters for helping us make a meaningful impact this Christmas. Together, we are fostering creativity, sustainability, and compassion. 🌿✨
Let’s continue to inspire positive change—one step at a time.
#TreeWithoutATree #SustainableChristmas #GivingBack #Archalley #SOSChildrensVillages
Jan 27
1st Place Winner
Congratulations to the Methodist Church Youth - Seeduwa for winning 1st place in the `Tree Without a Tree` competition 2024!
Their tree, crafted from coconut shell pieces, impressed the judges with its creativity and teamwork.
#Archalley #ChristmasTreeChallenge #Sustainable #Creativity
Jan 10
2nd Place Winner
Congratulations to Pasindu Kithmina for earning 2nd place in the `Tree Without a Tree` competition 2024 with his inspiring and thoughtful design!
#Archalley #ChristmasTreeChallenge #Sustainable #Creativity
Jan 10
3rd Place Winner
Congratulations to KWCA - Kosala Weerasekara Chartered Architects for earning 3rd place in the `Tree Without a Tree` competition 2024 with their inspiring and out of the box design!
#Archalley #ChristmasTreeChallenge #Sustainable #Creativity
Jan 10
Congratulations to Rashane Fernando for winning the vote race and earning the title of Most Popular in the `Tree Without a Tree` competition 2024!
#Archalley #ChristmasTreeChallenge #Sustainable #Creativity
Jan 10
Congratulations to Ameeda Gunathilaka! Her effort and eco-friendly design is highly appreciated by Access Lifestyle, earning special recognition for their Sustainable Giveaway
#Archalley #ChristmasTreeChallenge #Sustainable #Creativity
Jan 10
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