a burning cross in the front lawn

Burning down a Christmas tree in the front lawn makes a good party, lots of warmth, and a joyous occation for the neighbors. What better way to dispose of dried, oil rich, wooden fire hazzard that is a month old pine/fir/plastic tree?

Somehow, burning a cross in the front lawn can get you arrested. Aren't they the same religion symbol? Reminds of a song my friend Ray used to sing...

"Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...how bright your branch's burnin'!"

pic pilfered here

a burning christmas tree is not the same as a burning cross