What is Mitten Tree Day?
Mitten Tree Day, December 6th, commemorates the gift of warmth. It's a day to gather mittens, hang them on a Christmas tree, and then give them to those in need.
Many that live in cold climates understand the importance of mittens. This winter clothing piece is essential for keeping the hands warm while outside. Sadly, however, there are many children around the world without proper winter clothing, including mittens.
Mittens have existed for hundreds of years. Many in cold climates made mittens from fur, animal skin, and whatever other items could be found to keep the hands warm. Many believe the oldest mittens came from Latvia and are over 1,000 years old. However, Latvians didn't just use mittens to keep their hands warm, but also used gloves to keep their hands warm. Many pairs of knitted mittens were given a hope chest as Latvian women married. The mittens' unique patterns had specific meanings. Some patterns resembled a blessing for their family, while others were used to bless members of their families.
One of the first known mittens in the United States dates back to 1803. The mitten had a poem stitched into the wool. Abby Condon made hand-knitted mittens for soldiers during the Civil War, and she recruited women from all around New England to assist her. In just one year, 1,500 workers made 15,000 mittens.
So as you can see, mittens have been given away as gifts and to those in need all throughout history. This special day helps to preserve this tradition.
