The Enduring Significance of Trees: From Ancient Myths to Modern UK
A few weeks back, the world was shaken by the sudden fall and possible death of a venerable tree, which garnered international headlines.
The Sycamore Gap tree, believed to have been planted by an amateur excavator near Hadrian's Wall in the mid-1800s, held a special place in the hearts of many. Situated in a picturesque hollow near Crag Lough, adjacent to Hadrian's Wall, this solitary sycamore tree had become one of the most iconic and frequently photographed trees in the United Kingdom. Its striking location made it a popular subject for paintings and photographs, ultimately turning it into a symbol of the north-east of England.
The distressing news of the world-renowned Sycamore Gap tree's demise had us reflecting on the historical and cultural significance of trees in the UK and what they mean today.
What trees have symbolised
Throughout history, trees have played a central and versatile role, providing essential resources such as sustenance, fuel, shelter, clothing, barriers, weaponry, and a wide array of everyday objects.
Given its central importance for human continuity, it is unsurprising that trees developed profound symbolic significance. Trees are viewed as representations of deep philosophical concepts, encompassing themes like life, death, and immortality. The concept of the Tree of Life, interlinking all forms of creation, and its counterpart, the Tree of Knowledge, bridging heaven and the underworld, is present in paganism, Christianity, and other faiths.
Over centuries, the United Kingdom has been a melting pot of diverse cultures, each contributing unique perspectives and beliefs towards trees. Some, like the Romans, even introduced new trees. These ideas have faded into obscurity or merged into a broader tapestry, shaping contemporary arboreal beliefs.
Let's delve into the perspectives on trees held by a few historical groups who came to the UK.
Celts & Druids
Approximately 3,000 years ago, it is believed that the Celts migrated to the United Kingdom.
The Celts believed trees housed the spirits of their ancestors, and different tree types possessed distinct magical properties that could assist during times of adversity and hardship.
Archaeological findings from the ancient Celtic civilisation of northern Europe suggest a connection between trees and written communication. The Celtic alphabet, known as ogham and comprised of 25 characters for inscriptions on stone and wood, took its names from 20 sacred trees and plants, collectively referred to as ogham. Furthermore, certain trees lent their names to some of the 13 months in the Celtic calendar.
In ancient Celtic cultures, the Druids held esteemed positions as a high-ranking priestly class. The term "druid" likely originated from the Celtic word for oak. It is said that ancient Druids made their wands from only yew, oak, and apple trees.
Romans
A little over 2,000 years ago, the Romans arrived in the UK and established their presence for roughly 350 years. According to Roman beliefs, every parcel of land and every tree harboured a guardian spirit or genius, which needed appeasement before any activities could commence around it. It was a faux pas to cut down a tree without first offering homage to the gods residing within.
The Romans, indeed, brought along certain tree species for practical purposes. Most notably, they introduced the elm, which served as a means to train grape vines. Furthermore, the Romans introduced formal gardens to Britain, as evidenced by archaeological remnants at locations like Bancroft, Fishbourne, and Frocester villas. This introduction of formal gardens saw the arrival of various ornamental tree species. Primarily, boxwood was utilised, and to a lesser extent, stone pine and Norway Spruce. Boxwood was thought to have ritual and funerary significance and was discovered in Roman burials in Dorset, Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, and Essex.
The Romans introduced over 50 new types of food plants in Britain. These included fruits like figs, grapes, apples, pears, cherries, plums, damsons, mulberries, dates, and olives; vegetables such as cucumbers and celery; various nuts, seeds, and legumes like lentils, pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, and sesame; as well as herbs and spices like coriander, dill, and fennel. Many of these introduced food items flourished in British soil. It's intriguing how these Roman contributions have become integral to defining British cuisine and identity.
Anglo-Saxons
The Anglo-Saxons made their initial attempt at invading during the 4th century, but the Roman army swiftly repelled them. It wasn't until around 450 AD, when the Romans departed from Britain, that the Anglo-Saxons seized the opportunity and succeeded in establishing themselves.
Within the framework of Anglo-Saxon paganism, various natural features in the English landscape held sacred and symbolic significance. In this belief system, trees and groves were deeply linked to notions of healing and protective powers.
As the process of Christianisation took hold, there was a shift in these perspectives. Anglo-Saxon leaders began to view gardens as spaces for cultivating fruits and vegetables. The new ruling elite prioritised plants that could be consumed or utilised for remedies and crafts, relegating earlier beliefs in the sacred and protective properties of trees to the past.
This Anglo-Saxon era in Britain extended roughly six centuries, concluding when the Normans "politely" encouraged their departure in 1066. It wasn't so polite. Many Anglo-Saxon nobility were killed at the two great battles in 1066. William the Conqueror dispossessed many of those who survived and granted their lands to his supporters as a reward for their loyalty.
Vikings
The Vikings landed in the UK at the close of the 700s and, like the Romans, hung around for approximately 350 years.
Vikings predominantly valued wood and plants for their usefulness. It's safe to say that Vikings possessed a deep understanding of the practical applications of various plants and vegetation.
Among the Vikings, there was reverence for a singular tree: the Tree of Life. This tree was often perceived as the underpinning of existence, bridging the divide between the physical and spiritual realms. While the origin of the Tree of Life is not attributed to the Vikings and possibly has its roots in Asia, Norse mythology represented it as Yggdrasil—an ancient ash tree.
Yggdrasil, the World Tree in Viking folklore, was believed to grow on an island encircled by the ocean. The trunk of this ash tree reached skyward while its branches extended across all corners of the Earth. Simultaneously, its roots delved into the underworld.
Normans
The Normans arrived in 1066, and in a departure from previous groups that inhabited the UK, they did not regard trees and woodlands as places of spiritual significance.
William the Conqueror introduced the "Forest Law," which declared woodlands exclusive hunting grounds for kings. In Norman times, a "forest" was defined as a region encompassing woods and pastures designated for safeguarding the animals used for hunting, particularly deer and other creatures.
These forest laws were instituted to protect the game animals and their habitats, known as "vert." They prohibited poaching and unauthorised wood gathering within the forest so royalty would have ample hunting stock. The penalties for violating these laws were severe, ranging from fines to the most extreme punishment of death.
Recognising that local peasants would struggle to make a living within the forest without assistance, common rights were eventually granted. Common rights allowed them to graze their livestock and domestic animals throughout a forest space as a form of compensation for their work. This marked the initial steps in the establishment of Common Rights, which still exist to this day.
What did different tree species symbolise?
Each of the invading people coming to the UK had different views and beliefs towards trees, as we've seen. Let's look at a handful of trees found in the UK and what beliefs have been associated with them.
Alder trees
In Celtic mythology, the alder tree symbolises equality between genders, given that both male and female catkins, elongated clusters of single-sex flowers, grow on the same branch. It also embodies qualities of courage and a continually evolving spirit.
The alder tree is rich in symbolism, representing attributes like strength, protection, determination, and confidence. It serves as a sign of safety and security, believed to possess the power to shield and conceal individuals during moments of danger.
Apple trees
An apple tree's fruit was believed to bestow eternal youth.
For the Celtic people, apple trees symbolised perpetual life and wisdom, as legends suggest Merlin taught beneath an apple tree.
These trees also hold profound Christian significance, intertwining with the narrative of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, who consumed the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.
Ash trees
In European cultures throughout history, burning the wood of ash trees was believed to have the power to repel evil spirits. These trees also symbolise elevated consciousness and the concept of sacrifice.
Within Scandinavian mythology, the ash tree was known as Yggdrasil, the 'Tree of the World,' a colossal ash tree interconnecting and sheltering all realms. It was also referred to as the 'Tree of Rebirth and Healing,' signifying that contact with it symbolised regeneration and rebirth.
In Britain, the ash tree was similarly regarded for its healing properties. In Hampshire, rituals were conducted where a bare child was passed through the cleft trunk of an ash tree as a remedy for broken or weakened limbs. It was believed that if the tree's parts fused, the child would be healed. If a gap remained, the ritual was deemed ineffective.
Aspen trees
The gentle, soothing rustle of aspen leaves in the breeze is a source of tranquil beauty. In numerous cultures, the belief persisted that our forebears conveyed messages to us through the wind, giving aspen trees a sacred significance. Since these trees are frequently linked with peace, sitting in an aspen grove and absorbing the whispers of those who have passed on becomes a calming and meaningful experience.
Blackthorn trees
The blackthorn tree has long had an association with magic. In Celtic mythology, the blackthorn was believed to be the dwelling place of fairies.
It acquired the moniker of a "witch's tree". People who carried a walking stick made of blackthorn wood were suspected of witchcraft. A blackthorn staff was believed to possess the power to ward off bad spirits.
Blackthorn shook off its association with witchcraft and was used extensively in various remedies, including tonics and syrups renowned for their ability to "purify the blood," alleviate digestive issues, and relieve rheumatism. These medicinal concoctions were made from blackthorn bark, flowers, and fruit.
Elder trees
The folklore surrounding elder trees is vast and frequently contradictory. On the one hand, it was believed that burning elder wood would reveal the devil, yet planting one near your home would serve as a protective measure against him. Elder's inclination to thrive in locations like wastelands, refuse heaps, and cemeteries has elicited reverence and aversion. Additionally, elder was thought to possess the power to remove warts and repel vermin. It's one of the most confusing trees in the UK!
Hawthorn trees
Hawthorn is the only British plant to bear the name of the month its flowers bloom, May. The appearance of its blossoms signalled the arrival of summer, marking the end of winter. The saying 'Ne'er cast a clout till May is out' likely refers to the unfurling of these flowers, not the conclusion of the month.
The hawthorn tree was believed to be the precursor of the maypole, playing a central role in May Day festivities. On May Day, people would cut down young trees and stick them in the ground in the village to mark the arrival of summer. People danced around the tree poles in celebration of the end of winter and the start of the fine weather that would allow crop planting to begin. Traditions are what they are, but at Protect Earth, the idea of cutting down young trees to celebrate the planting of another plant? Anyway, hawthorn provided the source of May Day garlands, and the May Queen was often adorned with May blossom. The rhyme 'here we go gathering nuts in May' referred to collecting knots (not nuts) of May blossom.
Superstitions linked to these flowers, particularly concerning the dire consequences of bringing them indoors, were widespread. The hawthorn held significant supernatural influence, capable of good and evil, and was associated with themes of sacrifice and protection.
Hazel trees
In Celtic mythology, the hazel tree holds deep symbolism, representing wisdom and inspiration. Celtic legend goes that nine magical hazeltrees are suspended over the sacred well of wisdom, releasing their hazelnuts into the well to impart their wisdom.
The hazel tree has long been associated with magical properties. A hazel rod is believed to protect against harmful spirits. A rod of hazel was also helpful for quenching the thirst as it was used for divining water sources. In some areas of England, hazelnuts were carried as talismans and held to ward off rheumatism.
Maple trees
Maple trees are celebrated for their magical attributes and represent a range of qualities, including balance, strength, and endurance.
In various cultures, maples are regarded as guardians against bad spirits, embodying the ideals of peace and serenity.
For some, their vibrant autumnal transformation signifies the cyclical nature of life and makes maple trees a symbol of change for many.
The expansive canopy of maple trees provides shelter and protection to those beneath their leaves, evoking feelings of safety and security.
Oak trees
The robust oak tree has held a steadfast presence in various mythologies and literature, serving as an enduring symbol of strength, stability, and protection, remaining resilient through its trials.
Oak has a rich history in European folklore and was revered by several cultures, including the Norse and the Celts. Its association with thunder gods may have arisen because oaks, often the tallest trees in the landscape, are often struck by lightning.
Oakwood held a sacred role in the mid-summer sacrifices of the druids. Notably, the term 'druid' itself means 'oak man.'
Folklore included a saying about the order of oak and ash leaves emerging, which could predict summer weather. "If the oak before the ash, then we'll only have a splash. If the ash before the oak, then we'll surely have a soak."
Oak trees are also renowned for their remarkable longevity. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, believed to have sheltered Robin Hood from his enemies, is a living testament to this, having thrived for over a thousand years.
Legend has it that in 1661, King Charles II hid in an oak tree at Boscobel when pursued by the Roundheads. For many years, Royal Oak Day or Oak Apple Day was celebrated as a public holiday, with children donning oak leaves on May 29. Robin Hood hid in an oak tree to escape his enemies. King Charles II did the same. Were they, in fact, the same person?
Rowan trees
Rowan carries numerous associations with magic and witchcraft. It's been referred to as "witchwood" in English and, in its ancient Celtic name, as "fid na ndruad," which translates to "wizard's tree."
Among the Celts, rowan trees were planted near homes to ward off spirits, particularly those of the deceased. In Wales, rowan trees were frequently cultivated in churchyards, while in Scotland, it was taboo to cut down a rowan tree.
Rowan wood was considered the most protective part and was used for stirring milk to prevent curdling. It was also fashioned into pocket charms to guard against rheumatism and transformed into divining rods. The protective power of rowan is believed to emanate from its bright red berries, as red was considered the most potent colour for combating evil.
An ancient practice involved hanging sprigs of rowan above doorways and stables to deter harmful spirits.
Silver birch trees
Silver birch holds significant spiritual importance in various historical and contemporary religions.
Known to the druids as the "Goddess Tree" and the "Lady of the Woods," it is closely linked with concepts of light, new beginnings, love, and fertility. It is considered a tree of enchantment, possessing the power to safeguard against harmful spirits and the evil eye.
In mediaeval Britain, the local magistrate would carry a bundle of birch twigs on his way to court to symbolise his authority and as a method of correction. Birching is a form of corporal punishment with a birch rod, typically applied to the recipient's bare buttocks, although occasionally to the back or shoulders. This practice likely stemmed from the belief that birch effectively drove out evil spirits. Yikes!
Willow trees
In biblical times, all willow trees were regarded as symbols of celebration. Modern perceptions of willows have changed, and willows are frequently associated with sadness and mourning.
Classical poems often depict willows in this melancholic context, a theme reiterated in art, with examples like Ophelia's drowning near a willow in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. The bitter taste of willow may have contributed to this association.
In English folklore, willow trees are sometimes seen as sinister. They are believed to be able to uproot themselves and seemingly stalk travellers, lending an eerie and unsettling aura to their presence.
Yew trees
Yew trees are commonly associated with the deceased and are often found in graveyards. The Druids, for instance, viewed yew trees as protectors of the departed. This connection between yew trees and churchyards is well-established, with over 500 churchyards in England featuring yew trees that predate the construction of the church itself.
The exact reasons for this association remain unclear, leading to several theories. Some suggest that yew trees were planted over the graves of individuals who succumbed to plagues, possibly to protect and purify the departed. Alternatively, it's proposed that yews found their place in churchyards because these areas were inaccessible to cattle, thus safeguarding them from potential poisoning caused by consuming yew leaves.
Yew trees are seen as symbols of immortality in many traditions, yet they can also be regarded as omens of misfortune.
For centuries, it was customary to carry yew branches on Palm Sunday and during funerals. In Ireland, yew was referred to as 'the coffin of the vine,' as yew staves were employed in the construction of wine barrels.
To sum up
The public outpouring for the Sycamore Gap tree shows the importance that trees can still hold in the public imagination.
It's been a long time since trees have been associated with witchcraft or sacrifice. But, for many people today, trees represent connectedness, beauty, nature, and purifying cleanliness.
It's a lovely thought that trees have been considered so important by us for millennia.
What about you? Do you have any special memories involving trees? Do certain trees (whether a type of tree or a specific tree like the Sycamore Gap) hold special significance for you?
Of course, we at Protect Earth hold trees dear - cultural icons like the Sycamore Gap tree and the trees we plant seasonally. If you, too, value trees great and small, please consider donating to our biodiversity fund, enabling us to continue planting trees that may one day become landscape icons like the Sycamore Gap tree was.
