Why do they put a tree on a newly constructed building?

Question

Why do they put a tree on a newly constructed building? What is the significance of a pine tree or a flag on the top of a new building?

Answer 1

The tree can signify many things, including a job well done, life and growth of the building, and good luck for the building’s inhabitants. Its most common significance, however, is to indicate that the construction has been completed safely, without serious injury or loss of life. It is raised in a "Topping Off" ceremony, in which the last steel beam is put in place, indicating that the highest point of steel construction has been completed (not that the building is fully constructed.) Often the people present at this ceremony sign the beam before it is placed.

Answer 2

The ritual of “topping out” to celebrate the completion of a structure has ancient origins with roots reaching back for centuries, to Viking chieftains and Teutonic tribes of Europe, attempting to appease the spirits. In some cases a sheaf of corn was attached to a tree and placed atop a structure, both to serve as food for the horse of the Norse god Odin and as a charm against lightning.

Ancient practices have been replaced today by the hoisting of an evergreen tree to the top of a newly completed structure, a tradition that can be traced back to the Scandinavians who venerated evergreens. Even today in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia a sapling decorated with flowers and foodstuffs often is put aloft to seek the benevolent care of the spirits.

The practice of topping-out was brought to America by immigrants who became the country’s contractors and steel workers. Today, in most cases, a tree or a beam is hoisted up by the crane, often with a flag or banner attached. While there inevitably remains a great deal of work to be done to complete the structure, topping-out represents the successful attainment of the highest point.

Answer 3

There was an old Scandinavian custom of putting a tree on top of a recently finished building to indicate that it still had connections to the live forest. This custom came to the United States and was translated into a "topping off" symbol.

Answer 4

there have been battles after teh civil conflict ended. save in mind that battling became happening around the entire US, and we didnt have telephones or cyber web back then. it took a on a similar time as to get messages out to assorted instruments. as for that occuring in 1867, there have been some extraordinarily rural section's. risk is teh message in simple terms skipped them becaues it became a place the place there werent any instruments that have been formally a factor of the accomplice military.

Answer 5

how long have they been putting trees on top of buildings

Answer 6

It is to symbolize the sacrafice of the forest

Answer 7

i guess to simbolize its finish in construction