Tree Symbolism Essay Example

Tree Symbolism Essay Example Tree Symbolism Paper Tree Symbolism Paper People may often ask themselves why they should learn about tree symbolism. Many people would probably say the meaning of trees does not interest them. But knowing what tree symbolism means goes beyond knowing the healing properties of a tree, its elemental correspondences, or its mythological associations. Tree symbolism is a way of classifying, identifying, and organizing the array of energetic knowledge they contain and incorporating this array in peoples daily lives. Human minds are beginning to touch this understanding: To know something is also to Join with it. To Join in an understanding of life causes association with it. When we start to understand tree symbolism, we can then further our perspective into four basic concepts: cultural/historic perspectives of trees, biological functions of trees, energetic resonance of trees, and environment of trees. The beech, birch, willow, and cedar are all used symbolically throughout history to enhance beliefs, offer concrete examples, and connect meaning. The beech tree is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. These trees grow slowly and usually reach a height of 120 feet, with branches expanding to 50 feet ide. Beech trees produce edible nuts and are commonly used as timber for floors, furniture, cabinets, barrels, and toys. The trees are known to symbolize tolerance, past knowledge, and softening criticism. The beech is known for tolerance; for instance, the tree can withstand different soil conditions and habitats. Past knowledge is another symbol; beech trees hold the knowledge of the power of the written word. History reveals that the first European literature was written on beech bark. Beech is the tree of the discovery of lost wisdom, and the individual must learn ot to discount the knowledge and teachings of the past. This type of tree reminds us to soften over-criticalness due to individuals written and spoken communication to accomplish tasks more effectively. The birch tree symbolizes new beginning and renewal. This tree represents the symbol of new beginnings; therefore, the wood is tough, heavy, and straight grained, making it suitable for handles and toys and good for turning. Traditionally, babies cradles were made of birch wood, drawing on the earlier symbolism of new beginnings. The birch trees ability to adapt toa variety of conditions and repopulate quickly after a fire made it a sacred symbol of renewal. Birch trees provided food, medicine, textiles for clothing, shoes, and material for building a shelter. Willow tree meanings include magic, healing, inner vision, and dreams. Native Americans across the world rely on their main source of medical treatments from the tree. This use is because the willow contained acetylsalicylic acid, also known as a form of aspirin. However, its known to people that if they make a wand out of the illow bark and put it underneath their pillow, they will be able to remember their inner vision and dreams at night better. In the 19th century (and earlier), women who dwell upon the death of a loved one showed photographs or drawings including one or more mourners in dark dresses bent over a tombstone with a willow tree a symbol of death, tears, mourning, and reflection. Perhaps this is the origin of the Another tree, called cedar, is found throughout the world and symbolizes healing, cleansing, and protection. All the cedar trees have a fragrance that is leansing and protecting. Cedar is said to be used in rituals and ceremonies to prepare a person or area. Native Americans used it for purification purposes. A staff made from cedar wood has the energy of protection, and it can open opportunities to heal imbalances of emotional distress. Cedar is a tree whose spirit and principle will strengthen and enhance any inner potentials of an individual. This is tied to strong healing energies that cleanse the body, especially at night while the individual sleeps. Cedar helps individuals to balance their emotional and mental odies and can stimulate dream activity, which brings inspiration and calm. In conclusion, throughout history trees have been powerful symbols to many people of different cultures. Therefore, trees of life represent the knowledge of good and evil and invite people to absorb their essences. Trees symbolize life and growth by reaching down to the ground and up to the sky at the same time. The deep- rooted meaning of trees is apparent in common metaphors such as the Tree of Life and our ancestral heritage depicted in family trees.