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Trees are significant in many of the world's mythologies, and have been given deep and sacred meanings throughout the ages. Human beings, observing the growth and death of trees , and the annual death and revival of their foliage, [ 1 ] [ 2 ] have often seen them as powerful symbols of growth, death and rebirth.
Various folk cultures and traditions assign symbolic meanings to plants. Although these are no longer commonly understood by populations that are increasingly divorced from their rural traditions, some meanings survive. In addition, these meanings are alluded to in older pictures, songs and writings.
Kodama and Kurozome, the spirit of the Prunus serrulata (Japanese cherry) Kukunochi, Japanese tree spirit; Lauma, a woodland fae, goddess/spirit of trees, marsh and forest in Eastern Baltic mythology; Leshy, is a tutelary deity of the forests in pagan Slavic mythology along with his wife Leshachikha(or the Kikimora) and children (leshonki ...
A sacred tree or holy tree is a tree which is considered to be sacred, or worthy of spiritual respect or reverence. Such trees appear throughout world history in various cultures including the ancient Hindu mythology , Greek , Celtic and Germanic mythologies .
And the boughs of evergreens reminded them that all the green plants would grow again when the Sun God was strong. SEE MORE: Major U.S. Cities Host Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Sacred trees and groves are mentioned throughout the history of the ancient Germanic people, from their earliest attestations among Roman scribes to references made by medieval Christian monks. Notable examples of sacred trees and groves in the historical record among the ancient Germanic peoples include the following:
Many types of trees found in the Celtic nations are considered to be sacred, whether as symbols, or due to medicinal properties, or because they are seen as the abode of particular nature spirits. Historically and in folklore, the respect given to trees varies in different parts of the Celtic world.
Various trees of life are recounted in folklore, culture and fiction, often relating to immortality or fertility.They had their origin in religious symbolism. According to professor Elvyra Usačiovaitė, a "typical" imagery preserved in ancient iconography is that of two symmetrical figures facing each other, with a tree standing in the middle.