If You See a Scarf on a Tree, Here’s What it Means
If you see a scarf hanging on a tree outside around Boise, or even inside the mall on one of those Christmas trees, it's no accident.
There's meaning behind the scarves left lying around town, and those who find them "fitting" can keep them.
It's a thing that's been spreading around the country for awhile now, and this movement is meant to be a quiet, easy way to give a little love and warmth to those who need it.
The scarves are usually donated by talented knitters and crocheters, and by anyone else who wants to brighten someone's day. People are leaving scarves on trees, and each one usually comes with a tag that says something like, "If you're cold, take it."
The original idea came from a group called, Chase the Chill, and the movement has caught on around the country since it first popped up in Easton, PA in 2008. A scarf might help keep somebody's neck warm, but probably more than that it gives that person an emotional boost too. If you're a knitter they would love it if you started an official chapter, but I bet we could spread a little love just by putting some warm scarves on random trees around the Treasure Valley without too much organization. I'm not a knitter either! But I've got ten bucks to pick up a scarf at the store.
Reader's Digest says people are putting hats and gloves on trees too, and they point out that it's an easy way to help someone in need without breaking the bank.
Obviously, if you can afford to buy your own scarf, don't take these random free ones off the trees! Karma will get you. Let's leave them for the ones they're intended for, and help "chase the chill." I wonder if the trees will hold blankets and sleeping bags too. Hmm...