Looking for the Bride and Groom in Litchfield County. I am always on the lookout for those bride and groom trees. Some of the antique homes have the Bride left, or the Groom, many have nothing, long gone, no longer even a memory.
What the heck are Bride and Groom trees? It was traditional to plant Sycamore trees on either side of the front entrance of the home of newlyweds. Hence, Bride and Groom trees. Most of the trees I see are not Sycamore trees, although we have a few magnificent Sycamores here in New Milford. Their scaling bark, the white mottled branches reaching out like an umbrella over those lucky enough to be underneath, the massive size of the older Sycamore make them hard to miss.
Some of the farmers here refer to them as "Wedding Trees". I know a friend of mine told me the Bride tree in front of his house died within a year after his wife died. The trees have been there probably since the house was built in the 1800's, but he was convinced the tree died because his wife died.
So when you are driving around in Litchfield County and you spot an old house with two magnificent trees in front, remember those are Bride and Groom trees! Some hopeful young couple planted them after getting married, to signify the strength of their future, to say "we were here". Whatever reason, I find it an interesting custom that has fallen by the wayside. What a great idea for our new "go green" concept though, and meaningful too!
Did you know the largest Sycamore tree is in Sunderland, MA? They estimate the tree was there during the signing of the Declaration of Independence! The tree stands on Main Street in Sunderland and is quite the tourist attraction! The Sycamore tree is also called a Buttonwood tree, among other names. A very interesting tree, and a very interesting tradition!
I hope to find a Bride and Groom still standing for a photo, I called my broker who lives in Washington and asked her to be on the lookout on her way to the office! Perhaps in a day or two I will have the seemingly illusive photo of a pair of Bride and Groom trees.
If you are looking for a home with a pair of Bride and Groom trees in my part of Litchfield County, stay tuned. I do expect in a few days I will have more information. But in the meantime I am still looking for the Bride and Groom in Litchfield County!
Andrea Swiedler, Realtor® & Liddy Adams, GRI, Broker Associate
Cell: 203.460.1775 Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com
Swiedler & Adams, we know real estate!
Prudential Connecticut Realty, New Milford & Litchfield, CT
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© Andrea Swiedler, 2009 - 2012
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Andrea, I have never heard of bride and groom trees. I did have a couple once who tried to figure out how to take the tree they had planted when they moved in. They finally gave up on the idea and alas a few years later divorced.
Andrea, I've never heard of the bride and groom trees either. It sounds like a wonderful tradition...learn something every day.
Andrea: I have seen some "old" husbands who had scaling bark and mottled "branches" I guess you could call them. And I think some of their wives may have considered "planting" them... from time to time.
This is something I never knew about before. It sounds like a really cute, and pretty romantic custom. I like it.
@ Marchel: Too bad they could not come up with a way to take that tree with them. Perhaps it could have helped keep them together ?
I had never heard of bride and groom trees. What a wonderful tradition. Now I will keep my eye out when I am back up north.
Marchel, that is not a good story, LOL. But it happens! I have written in my offers "all trees and plantings" because people have taken some important things out of the landscaping. Perhaps if they had taken the tree they would not have gotten divorced?
Hi Nick, I thought it was pretty neat thing to do. And given that we are into green these days, could be a good one to start again! Always looks so homey when I see trees in front of a home framing the walk in.
Karen Anne, LOL, you are too funny. I like the custom too, and am on the hunt for the perfect photo. I have seen both, some are hard to take photos of to be honest with you because the trees are so big now!
Dick & Dixie, yes indeed, keep your eyes peeled when you are back up north!
Ditto! Never heard of bride and groom trees but it's a very beautiful tradition.
I have never heard of bride and groom trees, either, but it just sounds so old New England-ish. I think it's really sweet.
Toni
Very interesting...I had never heard of bride and groom trees. I learn something new on AR everyday! Have a great week...
I never heard of this-it is so interesting! Sad about the tree dying after the wife-weird about the time frame since it was so old.
What a neat old custom, it is kind of sad that it fell by the wayside and folks don't do it anymore. It's a nice thing to do to start your life out together.
Jackie, an old timer explained it to me, and then of course I googled it. I love the idea!
Toni, I think so many new homes are missing the old trees by the walk way idea, looking so barren!
John, I learn new stuff here ALL the time, isn't it great?
Deb, isn't that strange? He was convinced it died because his wife did.
Diane, isn't it a wonderful tradition? I know people move more these days but still.. nice thing to do!
Andrea, that is so sweet! What a great tradition to start. When I moved into my house, there were two big pine trees. Now I'm wondering if the first owners planted them back in 1914 - I'd always assumed it was just the builder! Sycamores are a much better idea.
That's a really neat tradition my friend, I have never heard of it before. If I am ever in your area I will have to keep my eyes open.
Very interesting I never heard about the bride & groom tree. In my family we plant tree every time a child is born ...we nature the tree similar to the child & hope the tree will give a shade or shelter to someone.
Andrea, How interesting! I'd not heard of the wedding trees but it's a great story.