Nature and Tree Planting Days Around the World

Abarkuh Cypress: Iran and Asia's Oldest Living Tree, 5,500 Years Old

Nature Day in Iran

In Iranian culture, respect for nature and trees has a tradition dating back several millennia. The depiction of the cypress and the Tree of Life in ancient artifacts, including the reliefs of Persepolis, reflects the special place that trees have long held in Iranian beliefs. Today, this perspective is expressed through two important occasions: National Tree Planting Day, observed annually on the 15th of Esfand (the last month of the Iranian calendar), marking the beginning of Natural Resources Week; and Nature Day (Sizdah Bedar), celebrated on the 13th of Farvardin (the first month of the Iranian calendar), the final day of the Nowruz holidays, when people are encouraged to spend time in nature. On Tree Planting Day, schools, government organizations, civil society institutions, and families plant saplings to emphasize the importance of protecting natural resources and expanding green spaces.

blades of sabzeh in Sizdah Bedar

Sizdah Bedar

Sizdah Bedar is one of the oldest Persian festivals and is among the world's best-known nature-related traditions. On this day, families gather in parks, gardens, and open fields to spend several hours immersed in nature. One of the best-known traditions is tying the blades of sabzeh (sprouted wheatgrass grown for Nowruz) before releasing it into flowing water, a symbolic act representing wishes for happiness, prosperity, and the renewal of life. In recent years, environmental awareness has become an integral part of Sizdah Bedar. Many people now make a conscious effort to collect litter, avoid damaging plants, and reduce the use of disposable containers, helping preserve the environment while celebrating this ancient tradition.

The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

In Japan, although there is no National Tree Planting Day equivalent to those observed in many other countries, respect for nature is deeply rooted in the nation's culture. Every spring, the blooming cherry blossoms, known as sakura, draw millions of people to parks and gardens for the tradition of hanami (flower viewing). Families and friends gather beneath the flowering trees to share food, celebrate the season, and appreciate the beauty of nature. This centuries-old custom symbolizes the transience of life and the importance of cherishing fleeting moments.
The Japanese also place great importance on the concept of shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing." In this practice, people walk slowly through forests and mindfully connect with nature to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Today, this approach is recognized and promoted in Japan as a way to support health and reduce stress, and many forests across the country feature designated trails for this purpose. This enduring respect for nature reflects a cultural perspective in which the natural world is valued not merely as a resource, but as an essential part of life, health, and Japan's cultural identity.

China's Arbor Day

In China, Arbor Day is observed every year on March 12 in memory of Sun Yat-sen, whose legacy is closely associated with the development of tree planting and environmental conservation in the country. The occasion was officially established as a national observance in 1979, and the National Tree Planting Campaign was later strengthened by legislation in 1981, encouraging citizens to participate in tree planting and environmental protection. On this day, schools, government agencies, companies, and volunteer groups organize tree-planting activities and environmental education programs across the country.
One of the interesting features of China's Arbor Day is the participation of families and students in tree-planting activities. Many families and school groups visit parks, forests, and other designated areas to plant trees, using the opportunity to teach younger generations about the importance of forests and natural resources. In some cities, people can also contribute by participating in forest maintenance and conservation programs rather than planting trees directly. These activities reflect China's broader efforts to combine urban development with environmental protection and ecological conservation.

Karma Nach dance around the tree at India's Tree Planting Festival

India's Tree Planting Festival

India holds its national tree-planting festival, Van Mahotsava, every year in the first week of July. The festival began in 1950 with the aim of increasing forest cover and combating soil erosion, and it has since become an important nationwide environmental initiative. During the festival, government agencies, schools, non-governmental organizations, and local communities plant large numbers of saplings in urban and rural areas. Educational programs and public awareness campaigns are also organized to highlight the importance of forests and environmental conservation.
In many parts of India, trees have not only environmental value but also cultural and religious significance. Some communities accompany tree-planting activities with prayers, traditional music, and local rituals, viewing the planting of trees as a symbol of blessing, renewal, and the continuity of life. In recent years, families, schools, and organizations have also planted trees to commemorate births, anniversaries, and other important occasions, creating a meaningful connection between personal celebrations and the preservation of nature.

South Korea's Arbor Day, Tree Planting Certificate

South Korea's Arbor Day

In South Korea, Arbor Day is observed every year on April 5. The occasion gained particular importance after the Korean War, when restoring damaged forests and protecting the country's natural resources became major national priorities. Although Arbor Day has not been an official public holiday since 2006, schools, government agencies, companies, and volunteer groups continue to commemorate it by organizing tree-planting programs and environmental education activities. In many cities, citizens take part in group tree planting in parks, mountains, and other public spaces.
Alongside tree-planting activities, schools and educational institutions organize workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs to teach children and teenagers about the importance of forests, biodiversity, and the role of trees in addressing climate change. In recent years, some organizations and companies have also encouraged public participation in environmental protection through initiatives such as sponsoring tree planting, issuing symbolic planting certificates, or supporting reforestation projects. However, these initiatives are generally local or organization-based activities rather than traditional customs associated with South Korea's Arbor Day.

National Arbor Day in Turkey

In Turkey, National Arbor Day is observed every year on November 11. The event was officially launched in 2019 at the initiative of the Turkish government under the slogan “A Breath for the Future.” It has since grown into one of the country’s largest environmental initiatives. On this day, millions of people—including students, families, government employees, and members of non-governmental organizations—take part in tree-planting activities across the country. The main objectives of the initiative are to expand forested areas, combat soil erosion, and raise public awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources.
One of the most notable features of National Arbor Day is the coordinated tree-planting ceremonies held in hundreds of cities and villages. In many regions, schools and universities also organize educational activities focused on forest conservation and environmental protection. Volunteers often help care for the newly planted trees, contributing to their long-term survival. The widespread participation of people from different sectors of society has made National Arbor Day a symbol of collective environmental responsibility and a commitment to protecting nature.

Spain’s Tree-Planting Tradition

Spain has a long history of organized tree-planting traditions. Historical records indicate that in 1594, a tree-planting ceremony was held in the village of Mondoñedo, in the Galicia region. This event is considered one of the earliest documented examples of a tree-planting celebration in Spain.
Today, many cities and villages across Spain continue to organize tree-planting activities, environmental education programs, and forest conservation initiatives, particularly during the spring season. These activities encourage local communities to participate in protecting forests, expanding green spaces, and raising awareness of the importance of trees and the natural environment.

The Marriage of Trees in Italy

In the village of Accettura, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, one of Europe’s most distinctive traditional rituals, known as Maggio, takes place each year. The festival is believed to have pre-Christian roots and is closely associated with ancient traditions of fertility, nature, and the renewal of life. The most remarkable feature of the ceremony is the symbolic “marriage” between two trees.
During the ritual, villagers go into the forest and select a tall, sturdy oak tree to represent the “groom,” known as the Maggio, and a holly tree to represent the “bride.” The trees are then transported to the village in a traditional procession. The oak is carried on carts pulled by several pairs of oxen, while local musicians accompany the procession with traditional instruments such as the zampogna, a type of bagpipe, and the ciaramella, a traditional woodwind instrument.
Once the two trees reach the village square, they are symbolically joined together in a ritual known as the “marriage of the trees.” The ceremony symbolizes fertility, the renewal of life, and the enduring relationship between human communities and nature. The festival remains an important part of Accettura’s cultural heritage and demonstrates how ancient traditions can continue to connect local communities with the natural world.

National Tree Day in Australia, smoking ceremony

National Tree Day in Australia

In Australia, National Tree Day is held on the last Sunday of July and has grown into one of the country’s largest volunteer tree-planting and nature-restoration events. A distinctive feature of some National Tree Day activities is their connection with Aboriginal culture and traditions. In events involving Indigenous communities, for example, the program may begin with a traditional “smoking ceremony,” in which native plants are burned to produce smoke that is used to cleanse the gathering place and symbolize protection and respect for the land, the people, and the participants.
Although National Tree Day is not an official public holiday, it attracts more than 300,000 volunteers across Australia each year. By planting seedlings in parks, forests, riverbanks, and urban areas, participants help restore natural habitats, increase vegetation cover, capture carbon, and support environmental conservation.

Tree Day in Brazil

In Brazil, Tree Day is celebrated every year on September 21, coinciding with the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. A large portion of the Amazon rainforest lies within Brazilian territory, making this day an important opportunity to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting forests, biodiversity, and natural resources. Many commemorative activities take place in schools, where students learn about native tree species, the role of forests in regulating the climate, and the importance of environmental conservation.
In addition to educational programs, many cities see active participation from municipal governments, environmental organizations, universities, and volunteer groups. They organize tree-planting activities, clean up green spaces, and hold workshops and educational sessions. These initiatives aim to promote a culture of environmental stewardship and encourage younger generations to take an active role in protecting forests, biodiversity, and other natural resources.

National Tree Dressing Day in the United Kingdom

Tree Dressing Day in United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the first weekend of December is dedicated to National Tree Dressing Day. The tradition was first celebrated in 1990 and was inspired by ancient customs of honoring trees found in different cultures around the world. The main purpose of the event is to encourage people to decorate trees in parks, public gardens, school grounds, and other community spaces, drawing attention to the cultural, ecological, and environmental value of trees. Organizers believe that developing a stronger emotional connection with trees can encourage people to take greater responsibility for protecting the natural environment.
The way National Tree Dressing Day is celebrated varies from region to region, reflecting local traditions and creativity. Participants decorate trees with colorful ribbons, fabrics, handmade ornaments, messages, and other environmentally friendly materials. In some communities, the celebrations are accompanied by folk music, storytelling, poetry readings, and educational activities. Schools and community groups also participate by creating sustainable decorations and organizing learning activities that help children and young people understand the importance of trees and their role in supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

Registering a child with a newly planted sapling in Poland

Trees and the Birth of a Child in Poland

In some rural areas of Poland, planting a tree to mark the birth of a child has traditionally been regarded as a meaningful family custom. According to this tradition, parents or relatives would plant one or more saplings around the time of a baby’s birth, with the growth of the tree symbolizing the child’s own growth and development. Beyond representing a close connection between people and nature, the custom reflects ideas of continuity, family heritage, and respect for the natural environment.
In the past, in some families, trees planted at a child’s birth were allowed to grow for many years and could eventually become a valuable source of timber. Depending on the family’s circumstances, the wood might later be used to build a house, make household items, or contribute to the child’s future. Although the tradition has become less common over time, it remains a cultural symbol of long-term thinking, family continuity, sustainability, and respect for nature.

Tree Planting for Graduation in the Philippines

Planting for Graduation in Philippines

In the Philippines, a proposal known as the “Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act” was introduced in 2012. Under the proposed initiative, students would be encouraged to plant at least ten trees before graduating from elementary school, high school, or college, creating a lasting environmental legacy for future generations. The proposal aimed to promote environmental responsibility among young people while supporting reforestation and increasing forest cover across the country.
Although the proposal received considerable public and international attention, it did not become a nationwide mandatory law. Nevertheless, the idea has continued to serve as an example of how tree planting can be incorporated into educational programs and graduation traditions, encouraging students to make a practical contribution to environmental conservation.

Tree Day in Argentina

Argentina commemorates Tree Day every year on August 29. The observance was promoted by Estanislao Zeballos, an Argentine lawyer and intellectual, and was first celebrated in 1900. The day aims to raise public awareness about the importance of trees, forest conservation, and the expansion of green spaces. It also highlights the environmental, social, and economic benefits that trees provide to communities.
On this day, schools, municipalities, and environmental organizations encourage people to participate in environmental conservation through educational activities, tree-planting events, and other community initiatives. These activities seek to strengthen public appreciation of trees and encourage greater participation in protecting forests and urban green spaces.

The Pachamama Festival in Argentina

In Argentina, one of the country’s most significant nature-related traditions is the “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) festival, celebrated every year on August 1, particularly in the northwestern provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca. The tradition has roots in the indigenous cultures of the Andes and honors Pachamama as a symbol of the earth, fertility, and the forces that sustain life. During the celebrations, people express gratitude for the earth’s blessings and pray for abundant harvests, good health, sufficient rainfall, and prosperity in the year ahead. Although August 1 is the main day of the celebration, related rituals and festivities continue throughout the month in some communities.
On this day, families and local communities gather in homes, public spaces, or traditional ceremonial sites to symbolically offer gifts to the earth, including food, corn, fruit, bread, traditional beverages, coca leaves, and other agricultural products. In many ceremonies, a small hole is dug in the ground and the offerings are placed inside as a symbolic act of “feeding the earth” and expressing gratitude to Mother Earth. The rituals may be accompanied by traditional music, singing, folk dances, and other cultural activities. In some parts of Argentina, people also drink a traditional beverage called “caña con ruda” on August 1, a popular custom associated with health and protection. Overall, the Pachamama tradition reflects a deep relationship between people and nature and emphasizes gratitude, respect, and responsibility toward the earth and its resources.

Trees Dressed in Monks' Robes in Thailand

Tree Dressed in Monks' Robes Thailand

In Thailand, the protection of trees goes beyond simply planting saplings and is sometimes closely connected with religious beliefs and Buddhist traditions. One of the best-known practices is the “tree ordination” ceremony. During this ritual, Buddhist monks or local community members wrap saffron-colored robes around the trunks of trees, symbolically associating them with the sacred status of Buddhist ordination. The practice is intended to discourage people from cutting down the trees and to encourage greater respect for forests and the natural environment.
In addition to tree ordination ceremonies, Thailand also holds annual tree-planting activities involving schools, government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities. Native tree species are planted in forests, degraded areas, and along riverbanks, while educational programs teach children and young people about forest conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. By combining cultural and religious traditions with environmental initiatives, these practices demonstrate how local beliefs and community participation can contribute to the protection of forests and biodiversity.

Tree Day and the May Tree in Germany

Since 1952, Germany has observed Tree Day (Tag des Baumes) every year on April 25. On this occasion, municipalities, schools, environmental organizations, and community groups organize tree-planting activities and educational programs to raise awareness of the importance of trees and forests. These activities highlight the ecological benefits of trees, including their contribution to biodiversity, climate regulation, and healthy urban and rural environments.
Alongside Tree Day, one of Germany’s best-known tree-related traditions is the “May Tree” (Maibaum). On or around May 1, people in many towns and villages decorate a tall tree or pole with colorful ribbons, flowers, wreaths, and local symbols before erecting it in a prominent public place. The tradition is often accompanied by music, dancing, and community celebrations and is associated with the arrival of spring, vitality, and community life. Although customs vary considerably from one region to another, the Maibaum remains an important part of traditional spring celebrations in many parts of Germany.

The cork oak, symbol of Portugal's forests

Native Forest Day in Portugal

In Portugal, March 21 is associated with tree-planting and forest-awareness activities, while Native Forest Day (Dia da Floresta Autóctone) is observed on November 23. Springtime tree-planting activities provide an opportunity to raise public awareness about nature conservation and help children learn about the importance of trees and forests. On these occasions, schools, municipalities, environmental organizations, and local communities may organize activities such as planting native species, visiting forests, and holding educational workshops.
Native Forest Day, in turn, focuses specifically on the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of Portugal’s native forests. Native species such as cork oak, holm oak, and maritime pine are among the trees associated with the country’s natural landscapes. Activities connected with the day may include restoring degraded forest areas, planting native trees and shrubs, removing invasive vegetation, and cleaning natural areas. These initiatives aim to promote biodiversity, strengthen public awareness of native ecosystems, and encourage the sustainable management and protection of Portugal’s forests.

Nature Day Around the World | The United States and the Origins of Arbor Day

The United States and Origins of Arbor Day

United States and Arbor Day Origins

The United States is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern Arbor Day tradition. The first officially recognized Arbor Day was held in Nebraska in 1872, following an initiative by Julius Sterling Morton, a journalist and politician who promoted tree planting and environmental conservation. More than one million trees were reportedly planted across Nebraska during the first observance. Today, Arbor Day is observed in many states at different times of the year, depending on local climate and growing conditions. Despite these differences, the celebrations share a common goal: encouraging people to plant and care for trees, protect forests, and expand green spaces.
On Arbor Day, schools, parks, environmental organizations, and local governments organize a variety of activities, including tree-planting events, tree giveaways, educational programs, and community clean-up projects. Some families also mark the occasion in personal and lasting ways, such as planting a tree to commemorate the birth of a child or to honor the memory of a loved one. These activities help connect communities with nature and encourage long-term awareness of the importance of trees and forests.

The Ritual of Honoring the Earth in Bolivia

Honoring the Earth in Bolivia

In Bolivia, traditions honoring Pachamama, or “Mother Earth,” are among the most important cultural practices connected with nature. These traditions are particularly prominent during August and have deep roots in the indigenous cultures of the Andes. Pachamama is understood as a life-giving force associated with the earth, fertility, agriculture, and abundance. Through traditional ceremonies, people express gratitude for the earth’s blessings and ask for health, prosperity, and abundant harvests.
During these ceremonies, families and community members may prepare small ceremonial offerings containing food, agricultural products, aromatic herbs, coca leaves, and other symbolic items. These offerings are often placed in or returned to the earth as an expression of gratitude and respect. In contemporary Bolivia, some communities and organizations also connect these cultural traditions with environmental-awareness activities, such as tree planting, conservation projects, and the protection of natural areas. In this way, the cultural values associated with respect for Pachamama can also inspire broader efforts to care for the environment.

Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Tree-Planting Initiative

Green Legacy Tree-Planting Ethiopia

In recent years, Ethiopia has become widely known for its large-scale tree-planting efforts through the national “Green Legacy” initiative. Launched in 2019, the program encourages millions of citizens to participate in tree planting, particularly during the rainy season. Ethiopia has reported planting hundreds of millions of seedlings during some annual campaigns, making the initiative one of the country’s most ambitious environmental programs.
Under the program, government employees, students, farmers, members of the security forces, community groups, and volunteers participate in tree-planting activities across the country. The initiative aims to address deforestation, land degradation, soil erosion, and the impacts of climate change while increasing forest and vegetation cover. The large-scale public participation has transformed tree planting into a prominent national environmental campaign and has also encouraged communities to take a more active role in protecting and restoring natural resources.