Local Made Christmas

Wreaths on Wooden Door, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



It is common for folks in the Lowcountry to use materials from nature to make their Christmas decorations. In this case, a pair of wreaths are made of red painted seeds from a tallow tree. As you might guess the tree gets its name from the waxy seed coverings used to make candles. Another interesting fact is that vegetable oils from these seed coverings are used to produce biodiesel fuels.

Yet, in spite of its abundance the tallow tree is not native to South Carolina... it originated in China and Japan, but thrives in our warm climate. So thank you Asia for brightening our holidays!