Trees stir people’s imaginations. Their serene and powerful presence gives people a sense of the sacred. Messages from the divine come from the stirring of branches and fluttering of leaves. Hence, a “sacred tree” is a part of many religions. A symbol of life, the sacred tree provides inspiration for people to see the divine in all living things.
Various peoples have traditions concerning trees. Among Northern Europeans, the Great Tree of Life connected all the worlds. The upper world of heaven and the lower world of the earth were connected with the middle world of people. Among Native Americans, trees were the “Standing People” who provided for and offer counsel.
Among Hawai’ians, the Kukui (candlenut tree) was important because it provided light and sustenance to the people. A kukui tree in front of a home exposed the owner’s soul to passersby. Meanwhile, a kukui growing in the rear of the house offers travelers a more modest glimpse into the homeowner’s spirit. The state tree of Hawai’i, kukui is said to represent Spirit revealing Itself.
Individual trees had particular meanings for various peoples. Among the Seneca and Abenaki of North America, the white pine was the Tree of Peace. Meanwhile, the Celts said that the universe was contained within the shell of a single hazelnut laying next to the Well of Segais, the Source of all Wisdom.
Trees can be many things to people. On an emotional level, they make excellent counselors. Their role in people’s lives is as old as humankind. Trees have an understanding of us that covers all our journeys.
Resource: “Tree Wisdom” by Jacqueline Paterson.
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Va. Carper
February 26, 2008