LONDON (AP) — London’s Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square will be lit up Thursday as part of a British tradition with roots in the Norwegian forest.

The tree symbolizes the friendship between London and Oslo in an annual ceremony that highlights the history of the countries’ alliance.

Here’s how the tradition began:

Token of thanks

The bond between the two countries was forged during World War II. When Nazi Germany invaded Norway in 1940, King Haakon VII and his government-in-exile fled to London. Much of Norway’s resistance work grew out of Britain.

The BBC, and its Norwegian counterpart NRK, broadcast the news in Norwegian from London. The reports were a vital lifeline for Norwegians, who listened in secret because of the Nazi radio ban.

As a token of its thanks, the Oslo city gove

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