Skip to content
The Universal Symbolism and Importance of Trees Throughout History

The Universal Symbolism and Importance of Trees Throughout History

Trees are an important part of Mother Earth and their majestic presence have garnered them admiration from many different cultures. They have played a role in our existence since the beginning of humankind and provide life and a place to live for many living creatures. The Universal Symbolism of Trees taps into the history of each country and looks in depth at each culture. As we look into the symbolism of these beautiful beings, we will find that trees are one of the greatest things that connect all of mankind.

Mystical and majestic, trees are seen as ancient living beings. From healing to protection, trees have played a large role in our history. Cultures have coveted their energy and worshiped them. Providing us with so many of our basic needs, trees offer us far more with their mystical connection to our spiritually. A great energy and a wisdom are believed to flow through them. Tree burials and tree memorials have also been a part of mankind dating back centuries.

There are many trees on this earth and all of them come with their own meaning. The Acacia tree symbolizes finding something during a journey. Some trees play a part in mythology. Alder trees represent a perfect hiding spot and a favorite place for fairies. Aspen trees symbolize exploring and spreading your wings. Trees have many meanings and some are universally known while others may be specific to a certain group. The ancient symbol of the Tree has been found to represent physical and spiritual nourishment, transformation and liberation, union and fertility. Often seen as a symbol of femininity due to its long branches and flowing leaves, the trunk is seen as masculine. This caused Carl Jung to hypothesize that the tree symbolized self, androgyny, and equality between the sexes and individuation.

Putting aside the metaphysical connections, there exists a special relationship between trees and humans. Humans produce carbon dioxide that trees breath and trees produce the oxygen that we need.

Tree worship, known as dendrolatry, refers to the tendency of societies throughout history to worship and mythologize trees. Trees play an important role in many mythologies and religions. They have been given deep meaning through the ages. They are seen as powerful symbols of growth and resurrection. In many of folk religions, trees are said to be homes of spirits. Historically Druidism, as well as Germanic paganism, appear to have involved cultic practices in sacred groves. The Oak holds great significance in these cultures.

Trees, including the many incarcerations of The Tree of Life, are seen throughout religious texts. This includes the Tree of Knowledge in the Bible where Adam and Eve are believed to have eaten the forbidden fruit from the same tree that Jesus was crucified on.

The mythology of Trees continues to expand. New thoughts and ideas are added and our own connections are re-interpreted. Find yourself a place beneath a tree and find your own mystical connection. Due to the length of time which we as people have connected to Trees it is no wonder that the feeling we harbor for them is universal, that their symbolism remains strong, and that humans continue to be drawn to them. 

The connection between mankind and trees has recently gone a step further with bio urns, that essentially let people have their ashes buried in an urn that grows a tree. These biodegradable urns are growing in worldwide popularity as more and more people become aware of this uplifting option and become memorialized in a tree burial.

Previous article Why Do People Love Spring? Here Are 10 Good Reasons