Symbolism and meaning of the oak tree [Un árbol de la vida celta] –

The mighty and revered oak has been an ancient symbol of the sacred since the time of the Greeks, Romans and Celts. Let’s learn more about its symbolism, spiritual meaning and uses.

Explanation of the symbolism of the oak

Its outstanding features lend their symbolism to strength, longevity, and spiritual and material elevation. It has different leaves since the edges of the tree are wavy, which fall off the tree in the fall and enter the winter.

This tree is abundant in oceanic climates, it is found within lush forests, but it is also a tree found in Mediterranean climate areas.

It is large, with a wide trunk and reaching more than 35 meters in height. The ents, or “shepherd trees,” remembered by Tolkien, are old oaks. And because it’s so powerful, it can withstand severe weather: lightning, extreme cold, torrential rain, hail, and more.

By Lotr Wiki

Both in ancient times and today, it has been a highly prized tree due to its unique wood, which ages beautifully. This wood is used for furniture, and since oak wood has a distinct flavor, it is the preferred wood for wine barrels. It is an extremely durable wood, used for boats and houses. Its bark contains tannins, which are tanning properties used to tan the skin.

Because oak wood is hard and compact, it lasts for centuries without rotting. In ancient times, its wood was used to build bridges, docks and for the manufacture of ships.

Strength and power may be the most notable symbols of this mighty tree, but such a powerful tree is determined to carry with it more powerful meanings. It is said that its energy is one of freedom.

The energy is healing, helping those who believe regain strength and health.

Here are some more of the amazing symbolism of the oak tree:

• divine force
• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• Inner strength and courage
• Overcome any problem, especially in terms of physical health
• Protection at all levels
• Recovering self-confidence
• Strengthening the auric field
• Renewal of vital forces
• Balance the energy of the entire being: mentally, physically and energetically

Its energy is considered masculine because it represents the supreme force of nature.

Beyond the above, it is the sacred tree for:

• Romans – dedicated to Jupiter
• Greeks – dedicated to Zeus
• Slavs – divinely associated with Perun
• Lithuanians – it is Perkunas
• Germans – it’s Donate
• Finns – the oak is Taaras
• Norse: a tree associated with Thor

The famous Greek god Zeus received the prophecy through the whispering of the wind among the leaves of the sacred oaks.

Tree of strength and freedom, in Guernica it is erected in the main square to symbolize the freedom of the Basque people.Guernica (by Picasso)

In Guernica, when the legislators take office, they swear their oath of office taking the oak as a witness.

The question of “where do we come from?” It has intrigued man since ancient times, when creation myths were the tool used to explain.

The Arcadians believed that before manifesting themselves as human beings they were an oak tree.

The Hellenes called them their “first mothers.”

This makes sense when it comes to folklore because, according to Greek mythology, they were the first trees. Legend has it in many countries that the first food consumed by humans was their acorns.

This tree is closely linked to power. In many cultures, important people would make their decisions under this tree.

Magical meaning of oak

In magical traditions, its wood is commonly used to produce wands. The knots of the tree, known as “snake eggs,” were used to prepare spells.

The acorns were collected during the night of San Juan to use them in fertility rituals.

Listening to the rustling of its leaves communicates divine messages, carried by the wind as its messenger. Burning the leaves is a way to purify the environment.

Because these magical properties are respected and used in rituals of protection, strength, success, fertility and stability.

In a person, the oak represents someone calm, determined and strong. From someone who fears change and loves familiarity.

This person is oriented towards erotic adventures, while in relationships he is extremely loyal.

Historical meaning of the oak in different cultures

The symbolism of the tree in ancient religions played an important role. Some trees were associated with gods in Norse, Celtic, Slavic, Greek and Roman mythology. Of course, different trees mean different things to different mythologies.

It is anthropogenic, meaning it is at the root of many creation stories in ancient traditions. The Greeks saw him as their biological mothers. This “tree of life” is closely related to the image of the tree as a regenerative element.

In classical mythology, the ancient Greeks associated this tree with Zeus, and under its branches is where the music of Orpheus sounded. Zeus was known to communicate through thunder or the oak tree itself.

Orpheus playing for the animals

In ancient Rome, it symbolized Jupiter, who spoke to people through the gentle movement of his leaves. Messages were transmitted through people who could translate, known as oracle keepers. Found in Dodona, it is one of the most important natural sanctuaries dedicated to Jupiter.

The oak is also a sign of regeneration due to the confrontation between Zeus and Hera, which devastated the earth with a torrential downpour. It was the first thing to emerge from this devastated land.

In both Germanic mythologies, he was associated with Thunar. They believed that the gods lived inside the trees. The trees were cut down during the Christian crusades because of these beliefs.

In Norse mythology, it is a symbol of Thor, the god of thunder.

In ancient Celtic myth, trees played a central role.

The Celts believed that the landscape was full of spirits. Oak spirits were associated with fertility and were considered centers of wisdom.

The Celts gathered below to discuss a wide range of topics, it was a meeting of minds. It is the tree where the druids collected mistletoe, which today is used as a superstitious object in many cultures.

In Slavic and Baltic mythology he is associated with Perun, the god of thunder. In Slavic mythology, he represents the world and its deep roots in his crown, which is where Perun resides. Perun

Oak leaf symbolism

It is the undisputed symbol of strength, protection, durability, courage, truth, life itself, the human body and fertility. Even the fruit of the tree, the acorn, is seen as a symbol of life, fertility, immortality, and for the Norse it is sacred to Thor.

In various cultures a leaf represents different meanings:

• In Amerindian culture it symbolizes Mother Earth.
• In Celtic culture, it symbolizes the point where the heavenly and earthly worlds meet.
• In Chinese culture, it symbolizes brute masculine strength that does not bend but breaks. This, in contrast to the strength that is extracted from the willow that knows how to bend and not break.
• In Christian culture it symbolizes the strength to overcome adversity, faith and virtue.
• In druid culture, it symbolizes a man.
• In Roman culture it symbolizes the salvation of life, where a crown of these leaves was given to whoever saved someone’s life.
• In Greek culture, it symbolizes devotion and happiness in romance.
• In Scandinavian culture it symbolizes life.

The Celts and the veneration of nature

The ancient Celts who are still shrouded in much mystery were known to have a close relationship with nature. She was revered and respected as a source of sustenance, life and peace. Like the Native American Indians, the ancient Celts did not build temples or places to worship, but rather it was in nature where the divine was worshiped.

Yggdrasil

For these cultures, streams, valleys, lakes, ponds and springs were considered magical places where God could be contacted and rituals could be performed.

Due to the Celts’ close relationship with the land and attunement to nature, the culture documented many beliefs about trees in particular.

One of the most central trees to the Celts, and found in all cultures and religions, is the tree of life. The tree of life is an archetype that represents the entire universe, life as a whole, knowledge and the connection between man and God.

While the image is similar in many traditions, representing the flow of life, it also has some differences. But the similarities outweigh the differences. They all look strong rooted and firmly planted in the ground. The branches of the tree extend towards the sky, baring rich fruits (symbol of physical and spiritual nutrition), and the leaves have healing properties.

The oak, the Celtic tree of life

The oak is majestic in its sight and presence, but the tree also has a deep meaning. Its fruits can feed men and animals alike. Its size allows it to occupy a lot of space in the forest, its long-lived paint is a source of wisdom. Its leaves can be used as a cure for a wide range of diseases and disorders.

For these reasons and more, the Celtic tree of life is almost always represented by large oak trees with long, complicated weaves.

For them, the trunk of the oak tree represented our physical world. The roots, on the other hand, symbolize the connection with the lower worlds. Lastly, the branches of the tree that extended upwards were the connection to the heavens.

The Celtic Tree of Life is a metaphor that explains each person’s life journey. The roots represent the wildest parts of oneself, the “shadows,” which through growth and maturity can be modified.

The trunk of the tree and its branches are the paths traveled by each person in life. If a path is considered to be a “wrong path”, this is represented by broken and twisted branches, which can be corrected by making better decisions.

In their traditions, maturing spirituality meant overcoming obstacles and correcting mistakes. This is also a reason for the tree of life being a strong symbol of rebirth and change.

Also read:
Symbolism and meaning of the Japanese cherry blossom [Árbol de Sakura]

The tree of life today

The tree of life archetype is still very common today. The tree of life can be seen…