15 Shevat
Tu B'Shvat - New Year of the Trees
Tu B'Shvat is a relatively modern feast.
Tu B'Shvat is literally the 15th of Shvat, the date of the holiday.
Tu B'Shvat is the New Year of the Trees, and involves planting trees and
celebrating their importance. It is celebrated when the almond trees blossom
in Israel.
In Tel Aviv, early in the morning, there is a blare of trumpets summoning
schoolchildren to come out and plant trees. Older children, dressed as
priests, make speeches about the festival. After planting, the children hold
hands, dance around the trees and sing the National Anthem.
In European Jewish traditions, a tree planted at Tu B'Shvat for a baby was
used to make the Chuppah for their wedding.
A special apple pie, in the shape of a tree is served.
