The Nature of Trees

Home

Tree Legends

Apple
	The apple tree is a universal symbol of plenty. It is associated with the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. The Celts believed the fruit was the food of the gods, and had magical healing and fertility qualities. The apple tree is commonly believed to be the tree in the Garden of Eden from which Adam & Eve ate the "forbidden fruit", but the type of tree is not specified in the Bible.

Silver Birch

The silver birch tree is known as the "Lady of the Woods". It is feminine, with delicate branches and leaves. The silver bark gleams in the sunlight and the moonlight and is thought to ward off evil or negative spirits. Birch is one of the first trees to leaf in spring, and is believed to have powers of inception and purification.

Silver Birch
	The silver birch tree is known as the "Lady of the Woods". It is feminine, with delicate branches and leaves. The silver bark gleams in the sunlight and the moonlight and is thought to ward off evil or negative spirits. Birch is one of the first trees to leaf in spring, and is believed to have powers of inception and purification.

Elm

The elm tree has always been associated with death, the grave, and theories of rebirth. In Greek legend, Orpheus returned from Hades (hell) and sang a lovesong to his lady, whereupon the first elm grove sprang up. The Britains used Elms to make coffins. The trees are assoicated with elves, who are in turn associated with burial mounds.

Elm
	The elm tree has always been associated with death, the grave, and theories of rebirth. In Greek legend, Orpheus returned from Hades (hell) and sang a lovesong to his lady, whereupon the first elm grove sprang up. The Britains used Elms to make coffins. The trees are assoicated with elves, who are in turn associated with burial mounds.

Oak

The oak is probably the most widely revered of trees. In Greek mythology, the earliest spirits were oak-tree spirits called dryads, and it was believed that the oak was the first tree created, from which sprang the human race. There are many references to oak in the Bible, and it was sacred to the ancient Hebrews. To carry an acorn is thought to bring good luck.

Oak
	The oak is probably the most widely revered of trees. In Greek mythology, the earliest spirits were oak-tree spirits called dryads, and it was believed that the oak was the first tree created, from which sprang the human race. There are many references to oak in the Bible, and it was sacred to the ancient Hebrews. To carry an acorn is thought to bring good luck.

Pine

In many traditions pines are equated with birth. Primitive cultures of northern Europe believed that evergreens possessed god-like powers, and symbolized immortality. Pine cones are phallic symbols of fertility. Germanic people would bring evergreen boughs into their homes during winter to ensure the protection of the home and the return of life to the snowy forest.

Pine
	In many traditions pines are equated with birth. Primitive cultures of northern Europe believed that evergreens possessed god-like powers, and symbolized immortality. Pine cones are phallic symbols of fertility. Germanic people would bring evergreen boughs into their homes during winter to ensure the protection of the home and the return of life to the snowy forest.

Willow

The willow tree is revered by pagans as a sacred tree of fertility and of the moon goddess. The willow's medicinal and religious qualities earned it the title "witch's tree". The Celts planted willow saplings over graves, believing the spirit of the person would rise into the growing tree. Willows were also thought to be protective, and parts of the tree were kept in the home to keep it safe.