Once upon a time, different trees and in turn, their woods, were attributed to certain deities depending on the use of the wood: shields, bows, ships, sail masts, etc. Rowan, being particularly strong, was used by the Vikings as sail masts and named ‘Thor’s Helper’. Meanwhile, ash made good bows for archers and lime was the wood of shields.
The Celts ascribed their language to the various woods, using
them to mean letters in their ogham alphabet. Trees such as apple were full of
magic, owing to the godly fruits hanging from their boughs. While the resin
from some trees became spiritual incense, used to call upon sun gods in ancient
civilisations (Frankincense and the sun god Ra of ancient Egypt).
Apple Blossom
From when humans first found shelter, nuts and fruits from these
ancient and often tall plants, a symbiotic relationship began. Trees have been
used to build homes, ships, bridges, fences, forts and barricades, weapons,
wagons, furniture, cutlery, toys and much more. We’ve burned it for fuel and
warmth. We’ve taken its fossilised sap and created beautiful jewellery. We’ve
made incense and essential oils from their branches, leaves, flowers or fruit,
that have become perfumes or healing remedies.
Grubenhaus, Jarrow
We love trees. They give us oxygen. And trees love us,
because we give them carbon dioxide. We are partners on this planet and we
would be lost without them. It is no small wonder we deified them. Where would
the Druids be without their oaks and mistletoe? Where would our wooden henges
be? Norwegians have their Stavkirks, wooden churches made with roof tiles that
replicate scales on some kind of immortal sea creature. Viking and Saxon
warriors were referenced in old poems as ‘Tree Men’. Overly tall men were ‘Ash
tall’, for those trees were great in height.
We owe so much to them and have lived with them for so long.
We are truly blessed to have the company of trees: the wood of the gods...
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