Botanical Information - Rituals & History : Balsam fir has always been a holy tree to the people of the Black Forest region of Europe. and our Christmas tree rituals originated from winter feasts where people carried fir branches in their hands and brought "trees of light" into their homes. Firs have a central meaning at Christmastime, perfume of fir resin and drying fir needles gives Advent and the whole Christmas season a characteristic, irresistible aroma. In Europe, fir resin might well be the oldest incense substance of all. ¹

Other Species:
Abies alba Mill. (silver fir, white fir), Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir. (Fraser fir,) Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. (alpine fir, Rocky Mountain fir,) Abies magnifica A. Murr. (red fir) Abies procera Rehd. (noble fir, white fir, red fir), Abies sibirica Ledeb. (Siberian fir)