2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Joy of the 2024 Rockefeller Center NYC Tree Lighting Ceremony Amidst the gods of Old.
The gold leaf covered Prometheus statue has held this spot since 1934. The iconic Rockefeller ice skating rink opened on Christmas Day, 1936. Just two years after this Prometheus was set. Prometheus is not the lonely god in Rockefeller Center. His Titan brother Atlas, and two mankind statues known as Youth and Maiden are close by.
Prometheus
Prometheus, a god of Greek mythology, is generally known to us as the benefactor of mankind, civilization and the progression of humanity. Providing humans with fire or returning fire to humans after it was withheld by Zeus at an event known as the trick at Mecone. Burnt offerings anyone? His story continues with eternal punishment for his trickery and theft until it doesn’t, turns out eternal isn’t actually forever in these stories.
In today’s world, Prometheus continues to be associated with humanity’s striving for knowledge. The 18-foot tall, eight-ton statue has Prometheus atop a mound of earth, surrounded by the sea and encircled by the heavens as represented by the 12 zodiac signs. He’s propelled forward, handing the flame over to humanity. Scribed on the wall behind him: “Prometheus, teacher in every art, brought the fire that hath proved to mortals a means to mighty ends.”
Youth and Maiden
Originally set on the sides of Prometheus, Youth and Maiden, represent mankind and the receivers of the eternal flame. Now, they find their home atop the staircase to the Sunken Plaza, announcing your arrival to Prometheus. At only 6-feet tall, they’ve been moved again and again over the years.
Atlas
Serving another eternal punishment of holding up the sky with his shoulders, a punishment for leading war against the Olympians, is Atlas. Known for sharing the knowledge of astronomy with humans and turning the heavens for the stars to rotate. Atlas has stood in front of 45 Rockefeller Plaza since 1937. Over 45-feet tall, including the globe, the statue serves as a compass with the North-South axis of the globe pointing toward the North Star. Just as Prometheus, the 12 signs of the zodiac are found with Atlas too, around one of the globes rings. Resting on his shoulders is an arched beam. This beam includes symbols for all the planets within our solar system
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
In 1967, newlyweds Earl and Leslie Albert planted a Norway spruce in the yard of their Massachusetts home. 57 years later their tree is lit with over 50,000 multi-colored lights and 900-pound Swarovski star for the world to see.
Leslie passed in 2020 and Earl is currently recovering from a stroke. Earl was quoted as saying, donating the tree in his wife's memory is “probably one of the greatest honors” of his life. The tree will stay up until mid-January then Habitat for Humanity will use the milled tree lumber for home building.
As we continue to recognize the joy of this season, the joy a single tree can bring to one family or to the world. We keep our hearts focused toward One. While the gods of old are cast in bronze all over places like NYC, we choose to serve our Living God, the one who’s bought and paid for our eternity.
Nikki
