Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
people are forbidden to enter. These forests are primitive or climax ones. Further
back stands the okuyama , which constitutes the entire sanctuary.
2.1.3
Symbolism of Sacred Trees
The belief that trees are sacred is a worldwide religious phenomenon. Examples of
this belief occur in China and ancient Mesopotamia, the cosmos trees of Nordic
mythology, the tree-dwelling Gods of ancient Babylonia, and the worship of sacred
trees by Native Americans and Australian Aborigines. Religious scholar M. Eliade,
who summarized the history of world religions, classifi ed tree symbolism into seven
categories (Eliade 1964 ): (1) Stone, tree, altar shape, (2) trees as a representation of
the cosmos, (3) trees as an incarnation of the Gods in the cosmos, (4) trees as a sym-
bol of life, limitless harvests, and absolute existence and trees as being related to
Goddesses and water symbolism, (5) trees supporting the cosmos at the center of the
world, (6) the mysterious bonds between trees and people (for example, trees have
symbolic meaning as the mother of human beings, giving birth to human beings, and
carrying the spirits of one's ancestors, so trees are used in initiation ceremonies), and
(7) trees as symbols of spring, new year, and the life cycle of plants.
The examples above show that while tree symbolism is diverse, the notion that
trees are constantly reborn (that is, renewed) and symbolize “immortal life” is com-
mon. In ancient societies, immortality was an absolute but existential idea, and trees
representing the center of the world came to symbolize existence. According to
Eliade, trees are worshipped not for their own sake, but for what they reveal, imply,
and signify. In other words, people worship the sacred that manifests itself through
trees (hierophany). Trees are an integral part of religion because of their power and
symbolism—leaves fall in autumn, are reborn the next spring, and rise toward the
skies. The creamy white sap that fl ows from trees symbolizes an existence that tran-
scends human life.
Let us briefl y examine the trees of the cosmos and of life, two important elements
in tree symbolism. Trees were a symbol of the cosmos in ancient China and
Mesopotamia because of their shape as well as their power of cyclical regeneration.
Similarly, the Upanishads of ancient India represent the cosmos as an enormous
tree. Gods are believed to dwell in trees so the trees symbolize the entire cosmos.
As mentioned earlier, trees are believed to symbolize life as well. The belief that
Gods were incarnated in plant life, including trees, was prevalent in the lands sur-
rounding the Aegean Sea and in ancient India, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. Trees pro-
duce creamy white sap, which became the symbol of motherhood and bountiful
harvests. Thus, trees became trees of life and, along with water, came to symbolize
the source of all creation.
This notion engendered the belief that certain plants had mysterious powers,
such as the ability to resurrect the dead or cure diseases and facilitate rejuvenation.
Trees of life symbolize not only a mysterious power that transcends human life but
also the world axis at the center of the cosmos; thus, they link heaven, earth, and the
underground. Sacred trees (pillars) support the cosmos and are at the center of the
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