Roger: 0:02

Talking Trees with Lillian Jad. Welcome to Talking Trees. Today we journey into Cultus Arborum, an 1890 work by an anonymous author that explores tree worship across cultures. The book delves into the origins and evolution of this ancient cult, highlighting its phallic symbolism and connections to fertility. We'll uncover myths, legends and customs from civilizations ranging from ancient Egypt to Europe. Let's dive into the profound symbolism of tree worship.

Jad: 0:37

Welcome back everyone. Today we're exploring something that might surprise you.

Lilly: 0:42

Oh.

Jad: 0:42

The history and culture surrounding trees. It might seem a world away from you. Know your day to day as arborists, but I think you'll find some intriguing connections to your work.

Lilly: 0:52

Well, it's easy to get caught up in the. You know the science and practicalities of arboriculture, but trees have held a pretty profound place in human societies for millennia.

Jad: 1:03

Yeah, the research we've gathered for this episode. It's really blown me away. Did you know that tree worship, for example, has been documented practically everywhere, across time and cultures? It makes you wonder what it is about trees that's resonated so deeply with humanity for so long.

Lilly: 1:18

It really does From the ancient Egyptians, who saw the palm tree as a symbol of the moon, incorporating it into their temple architecture.

Jad: 1:26

To festivals and rituals dedicated to the date palm in Arabia. Yeah, it seems almost every culture had a tree or several that they held sacred.

Lilly: 1:35

And it wasn't just a passing reverence either. In Ceylon, they had the Bogaha, or God tree, believed to house deities and be a direct link to the divine.

Jad: 1:45

And in India you have the papal tree revered as the tree of knowledge Right tree believed to house deities and be a direct link to the divine. And in India you have the papal tree revered as the tree of knowledge. Right Even Persia had its direct ephazel, or excellent trees, often adorned with offerings. It's incredible to see how consistent this idea is, that trees are even sacred beings.

Lilly: 2:01

As an arborist, have you ever encountered this kind of reverence for trees in your work?

Jad: 2:05

Oh, absolutely.

Lilly: 2:06

It makes you think about the weight of that legacy, doesn't it?

Jad: 2:13

It really does, and it goes beyond simple reverence too. Think about it. Trees are living witnesses to history. They can live for centuries, even millennia, watching human civilizations rise and fall. Pliny, the Roman naturalist, wrote about oaks being as old as the world itself. Imagine the stories those trees could tell.

Lilly: 2:26

It's mind-boggling. And it's not just ancient history either. There's a bow tree in Anuradhapura, sri Lanka, still venerated after over 2,000 years. It's a living link to the time of Buddha. As arborists, you're not just caring for trees, you're caring for living pieces of history, these incredible timelines that stretch far beyond our human experience. Does that change how you think about a tree when you approach it?

Jad: 2:53

It certainly adds a layer of depth and responsibility to the work.

Lilly: 2:56

Yeah.

Jad: 2:57

And this perspective ties in beautifully with some of the myths and legends we uncovered. They might seem like you know fantastical stories, but they often contain practical observations about trees and their properties.

Lilly: 3:11

You're right, it's easy to dismiss them as just stories, but there's often a kernel of truth hidden within. Take the Greek myth of Milo of Croton. He was this incredibly strong wrestler who tried to tear apart an oak tree and ended up trapped, highlighting the incredible strength and resilience of oak wood. It's a story, yes, but it also speaks to the properties of that wood, something you, as arborists, deal with every day. And it goes beyond physical properties. Pliny also observed that serpents avoid ash trees. Now we know that this might actually reflect the insecticidal properties of some ash species.

Jad: 3:40

So it's not just a random myth. It's based on real-world observation. And then there's the use of ash in European folk medicine for various ailments. Could this be linked to the actual medicinal properties of ash, bark and leaves? It makes you wonder how much those ancient cultures understood about trees and their uses.

Lilly: 3:58

It's fascinating to consider, isn't it?

Jad: 4:00

Yeah.

Lilly: 4:00

These stories, passed down through generations, often reflect real world observations and practical applications of tree knowledge. They were keen observers of the natural world and perhaps we can learn from their insights even today.

Jad: 4:12

It really makes you think about how much knowledge we've gained, but also how much we might have lost touch with over time. We were talking earlier about that sense of awe and reverence for trees and how it seems to be less prevalent in our modern world.

Lilly: 4:25

I think that's a valid observation. As we delve deeper into the science of trees, we sometimes forget to appreciate them for the incredible living beings they are. Looking back at the historical context of tree worship can be a powerful reminder of that lost connection.

Jad: 4:40

One thing that struck me while researching for this episode was the sheer variety of trees that were considered sacred. It wasn't limited to just one or two species. We've talked about palms, figs, dokes. The list goes on and on.

Lilly: 4:51

Absolutely Every culture seemed to have its own sacred trees, cypress, ash, plane trees. Each one held a special significance, often tied to unique symbolism and legends. It's like an entire encyclopedia of forgotten tree knowledge waiting to be rediscovered.

Jad: 5:06

And what I find fascinating is how those beliefs and practices often reflected a deep understanding of the natural world, even if they didn't have the scientific explanations we have today. For instance, the ancient Egyptians believed that the palm tree was a symbol of the moon.

Lilly: 5:19

Because it seemed to bud every month, mirroring the lunar cycle. It's a beautiful observation, isn't it? They saw these connections between the celestial and the terrestrial and expressed those connections through their reverence for trees.

Jad: 5:33

It's incredible and remember how we talked about the practical knowledge embedded in those ancient myths. The story of Milo, of Crote and the oak tree might have been a cautionary tale about the strength of oak wood, a reminder to respect the power of nature.

Lilly: 5:47

Exactly. And then there's Pliny's observation about serpents avoiding ash trees. Now we know it could be related to the tree's insecticidal property, but even back then they were clearly paying attention to the intricate relationships between different species in their environment.

Jad: 6:02

They were such keen observers of the natural world and they incorporated those observations into their cultural practices and beliefs, which brings us back to that idea of reconnecting with that sense of wonder and reverence in our modern approach to trees. As arborists, you have a unique opportunity to bridge that gap between the scientific and the symbolic, the practical and the spiritual.

Lilly: 6:25

I agree. It's about approaching your work with a sense of curiosity, openness to the stories and the wisdom that trees hold, seeing beyond the bark and branches, recognizing the profound connection humans have always had with these remarkable living beings.

Jad: 6:39

That reminds me of another aspect of ancient tree reverence that I think is particularly relevant for arborists today the concept of stewardship. In many cultures, sacred trees weren't just venerated, they were actively cared for and protected.

Lilly: 6:52

Think about the rituals surrounding the planting and care of sacred groves. Harming a sacred tree was often met with severe punishment. It wasn't just passive admiration, it was an active, participatory relationship based on respect and responsibility.

Jad: 7:06

It was like they saw themselves as caretakers of these sacred beings. Understanding that trees provided not just material benefit but also spiritual sustenance, they felt a deep obligation to protect and preserve them for future generations.

Lilly: 7:17

Precisely that sense of stewardship resonates so strongly with the principles of sustainable arboriculture. Today, it's about recognizing that we're not just managing trees, we're responsible for their well-being, for ensuring their continued existence for generations to come.

Jad: 7:36

It's about understanding that the health of trees is inextricably linked to the health of our planet and to our own well-being, and that's a powerful realization for any arborist. It adds a whole new dimension to your work, wouldn't you say?

Lilly: 7:47

Absolutely, and I think there's a beautiful parallel between those ancient rituals surrounding sacred trees and the practices of modern arborists, when you carefully prune a tree or treat it for disease, or even just take the time to observe its growth and development.

Jad: 8:01

It's almost like a modern day ritual, an act of reverence that acknowledges the value and importance of that tree. You approach your work with a sense of care and intention, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.

Lilly: 8:12

Exactly, and I believe that by reconnecting with that ancient ethic of stewardship, and I believe that by reconnecting with that ancient ethic of stewardship, we can find a deeper meaning and purpose in our work as arborists. It transforms it from a job into a calling, a responsibility to care for these magnificent beings that have so much to teach us.

Jad: 8:32

It really makes you think, huh. It's almost like they understood something we're only now beginning to rediscover.

Lilly: 8:39

What's that?

Jad: 8:40

That trees are more than just resources.

Lilly: 8:42

Yeah.

Jad: 8:43

You know they're partners in our shared existence.

Lilly: 8:46

I agree, and that connection goes beyond the ecological Right. Remember how certain tree species were associated with specific qualities or powers.

Jad: 8:53

Yeah.

Lilly: 8:54

The oak with strength and longevity.

Jad: 8:56

Right.

Lilly: 8:56

The cypress with the death and the underworld, the palm with peace and abundance. Those associations weren't arbitrary. They were rooted in how people experienced those trees, how those trees made them feel.

Jad: 9:07

And that's something you, as arborists, can really tap into, especially when you're designing landscapes.

Lilly: 9:11

Right.

Jad: 9:12

Understanding those symbolic associations adds another layer to your work, allows you to create spaces that evoke certain emotions. Another layer to your work allows you to create spaces that evoke certain emotions, convey specific meanings. Sure, imagine a memorial garden with cypress trees, their somber beauty echoing the gravity of the space, or a park with a grove of oaks, a symbol of community strength and resilience.

Lilly: 9:33

Exactly. It's about using trees not just as aesthetic elements, but as powerful symbols that resonate with people on a deeper level, and that deeper level, I believe, is where we find that sense of awe and reverence that we've been talking about. It's about understanding that trees aren't just material objects. They're living beings with their own unique energy and presence.

Jad: 9:52

It all comes back to that idea of seeing the tree as more than just a tree.

Lilly: 9:56

Right.

Jad: 9:56

It's about recognizing the history, the symbolism, the wisdom that's embedded in each one.

Lilly: 10:01

Yeah.

Jad: 10:01

And I think it's fascinating how those ancient myths and legends, even with their fantastical elements, often hint at practical knowledge about trees.

Lilly: 10:09

Yeah.

Jad: 10:09

Like the observation that serpents avoid ash trees. Could this be a reflection of the tree's insecticidal properties?

Lilly: 10:16

Yeah, it's certainly possible. Yeah, and that knowledge can be incredibly valuable for you as arborists. It can help you understand the relationships between different species, identify potential pests or diseases, and even choose the right trees for specific locations based on their natural properties. It's like tapping into a vast database of traditional ecological knowledge that's been passed down for generations.

Jad: 10:40

It makes you wonder if those ancient cultures, through their close observation and reverence for trees, understood something we're only now rediscovering through science. It reminds me of the concept of the bogaha or god tree, and so on. That image of the tree as a dwelling place for deities, a source of spiritual power, really makes you think about trees in a whole new way.

Lilly: 11:00

It does, doesn't it? It highlights the spiritual and cultural significance of trees, a significance that transcends time and geography. And as we wrap up our exploration of tree lore, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking question what if we approached our work as arborists with a renewed sense of reverence for the trees we care for? What if we saw ourselves not just as technicians, but as stewards of these ancient and sacred beings.

Jad: 11:24

That's a powerful challenge, and one I think is worth embracing. By reconnecting with the wisdom of the past, by recognizing the profound connection between humans and trees, we can elevate our profession to a higher level of meaning and purpose. We can become true guardians of the trees, ensuring their health and vitality for generations to come.

Lilly: 11:44

And in doing so we contribute not just to the well-being of our planet, but to the enrichment of our own lives, Because when we care for trees, when we approach them with respect and reverence, we tap into something ancient and profound, something that nourishes our souls as much as it nourishes the earth.

Jad: 12:03

Beautifully said. It's been an incredible journey exploring these connections between ancient beliefs and modern arboriculture. We hope this is giving you a new perspective on your work, a deeper appreciation for the incredible beings you care for.

Lilly: 12:12

Remember, every tree has a story to tell, a history that stretches back centuries, A wisdom that can guide us toward a more sustainable and harmonious future. Keep listening, keep learning and keep those branches high.

Roger: 12:28

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Talking Trees. Today we delved into cultus arborum, exploring the ancient traditions of tree worship and its deep connections to fertility and phallic symbolism across various cultures. We hope this journey through myths and legends inspires you to see the profound spiritual roots behind the natural world. Until next time, keep celebrating the mysteries of nature. Thank you.