Christmas Tree at Bryant Park by Chris Laffin

Although seasonal and not even the most famous holiday tree, this landmark captures the winter festival spirit and represents the glow and cheer that come with Christmas and other holidays while in New York. Sitting in the shadow of the Empire State Building and an easy two blocks away from the transit hub of Grand Central Terminal, this destination is one that inspires awe and instills joy in the hearts of tourists and New York natives alike. The bright lights serve as a multi-purpose metaphor; anyone who gazes at it can relate the decoration to the starry night sky or the ever-glowing lights that shine in the city that never sleeps. Although it isn’t technically a religious destination or pertains to a specific Christian denomination, the evergreen is undoubtedly a unique text in the New York landscape. It captures the underlying warmth out in a cold night; the Christian traditions that are sewn into American history are exemplified in the country’s most iconic city during the year’s best holiday. 

The tree overlooks an ice skating rink that is filled with children and adults all doing their best to stay on both feet to avoid the embarrassment of falling while laughter fills the air. This symbol best captures what is great about winter and what is great about New York and it can only be seen during a religious holiday once a year. The tree represents the setting around it- it does not belong to one group or faith but belongs to all who can simply appreciate it. There are temples of every religion within a mile radius of its location, and that speaks volumes to the atmosphere of tolerance and peace it promotes.

The tree is the center of a community free space. Its location and prominent placement is a testament to the grandiose emotions it inspires. Even though the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza is larger or the one at home is decorated with personal ornaments, I truly feel that what makes this one unique is the remarkable belonging it has to it. This tree doesn’t seem like an attraction or a political/religious statement even though one could argue either is true. It just seems to me that its main purpose is to bring joy to people who have seen it either once or a hundred times. It will never be typical or normal. It will always be incredible.

It is because of all these many characteristics that I feel the Christmas Tree at Bryant Park deserves to be included in the conversation about religious texts within the confines of New York City. It has the undeniable glow of its metropolitan home all while conveying the holiday spirit that is most associated with Jesus. Just as one gets lost in one’s own imagination when reading a book, you can truly lose yourself when looking in to its illuminated branches and decorated pines. As a text, it perfectly embodies religion and America.